Key Takeaways
-
Getting “crossfaded” or “crossed” refers to consuming THC and alcohol at the same time.
-
We don’t encourage getting crossed, for your health or your headspace.
-
Plenty of alternatives to getting crossfaded still nail a similar party vibe, with more safety in mind.
Here’s the thing: getting crossfaded may be something that’s been around for ages — at least for those who partake in both THC and alcohol — but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great idea. Both THC and alcohol make you feel the way they do (high or intoxicated, that is) because of chemical interactions with your body; combining those interactions may be fun in a limited capacity for some, but it creates a cocktail we’d recommend avoiding overall.
Want the party vibe of getting crossed without the risk to your health and headspace? We’ve got you covered with some Kiva-curated alternatives – think all the highs, none of the hangovers.
Crossfaded Meaning
In cannabis culture, getting crossfaded, also known as getting crossed, means to mix THC and alcohol, enough that you’re high from the THC and buzzed from the booze at the same time. Some say that the goal is to be equally high and buzzed, which – like slang itself – is obviously not a science.
Speaking of science, people who practice that arcane and dying art (joking…mostly) say that getting crossed is probably not the best recipe for a good time.
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Get Crossfaded
While it may have some “stoner” history, getting crossed isn’t something we’d recommend, even for diehard cannabis connoisseurs (and certainly not for newcomers). As Healthline says, “Occasionally [getting crossfaded] likely won’t lead to major health problems,” but “If you aren’t careful, the duo can lead to a case of the spins or a green out, two reactions that can turn a fun night out into a nauseated night that you wish were in.”
What Getting Crossed Feels Like
Experiences vary based on everything from personal physiology to dosages of THC and alcohol you consume to what you had for lunch that day. But some commonly reported physical and mental effects of getting crossfaded include:
-
An increased intensity of highness
-
Dizziness
-
Sweating
-
Compromised emotional regulation
-
Dulled decision-making skills
-
Delayed feelings of intoxication
-
Tiredness
-
Nausea or vomiting
When a few of these combine into someone feeling ill, it’s sometimes known as a “greenout.” And greenout or not, they’re a reminder that both weed and alcohol are best enjoyed in moderation. Even in co-moderation, you may find that the risk of having a bad time, physically and mentally, associated with crossfading just isn’t worth it. It may increase your buzz, but it has an even higher chance of being a buzzkill.
So while we love our hemp-derived THC, some trends might just be best left to the past.
Try This Instead
Far be it from us to be buzzkills, literally or figuratively. While we’re not big on getting crossfaded, you can accent your gummies with some non-alcoholic alternatives for a variety of more deeply-felt experiences that are potentially less risky to your health and headspace than adding booze to your high:
THC-infused Mocktails
You can get these off the shelf, or even better, make your own creations by subbing out alcohol for drops of THC oil or tincture, or garnishing with your favorite Camino gummy. You can even melt gummies into a mocktail (most gummies melt at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and THC won’t degrade at that temp) to create your own special concoction.
Just keep an eye on your dosage; remember that 5mg THC can generally be either half a Camino Sours gummy or one low-dose Camino gummy, while 10mg THC is one whole Camino Sours gummy- beyond those dosages, you’re getting into powerfully high territory, depending on your tolerance.
…Or THC-free Mocktails
As alcohol usage nosedives in the US (only about 54% of Americans drink nowadays, which marks booze's lowest popularity level in at least 90 years), a new category of alcohol-free “social” or “functional” beverages has been on the rise. These drinks use alternative natural ingredients to aim for a variety of potential effects, including easier socializing, relaxation, and more, without the hangover, emotional deregulation, or impaired decision-making skills associated with alcohol.
If you’re deadset on pairing your gummy with a special beverage, try one of these NA (non-alcoholic) drinks instead.
Remember, any of these alternatives to getting crossfaded might be safer than mixing THC and alcohol, but they can still make for a different experience than just a gummy alone. And as always, start low and go slow when trying something new.
Likewise, these ideas are generally more catered to a party, social, festive, or special night-in vibe than your day-to-day rituals, workday, or workout. And like all good parties, they should involve friends watching your back, keeping your limits in mind, plenty of food and hydration (as in water), and a solid designated driver. As ever, partake joyfully, and partake responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you mix weed and alcohol?
Research suggests alcohol may change the way your body naturally absorbs THC. In a controlled study, those who drank alcohol before taking a dose of THC actually experienced higher peak THC levels in their bloodstream compared to those who didn’t drink.
On the flip side, some people report that consuming THC before drinking alcohol felt like it delayed the effects of intoxication. While this may sound good at first, even if it’s true, it could lead to misjudgment of how buzzed you actually are, and potentially to drinking too much. Hello, bad decisions and hangovers.
Is it bad to be drunk and high at the same time?
That’s ultimately a personal choice, but we definitely don’t encourage it. If you do choose to crossfade a bit, moderation, food, hydration, a slow pace, and being around trusted company in a safe environment are key.
What can you not mix THC with?
Keep in mind, we’re not doctors. As a general rule, THC does not play nicely with medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs, pain medicine, anticonvulsants, or anticoagulants (blood thinners), according to Sharp HealthCare. We suggest asking your doc before having a gummy if you’re taking any medications.
How long does being crossfaded last?
Like we said, everyone is different, but typically, the effects can last for up to three hours.
Looking for the perfect gummy to pair with a mocktail, alcohol-free beverage, or just straight-up as is? Check out Camino’s catalog of gummies for any occasion. Oh, and we have chocolate too, if that’s your vibe!
Dan is a freelance writer, small business owner, and full-time creative living in Dallas, TX. In 15 years of writing, he’s been fortunate to collaborate with companies and publishers like Cannabis and Tech Today, Healthfully, Salon.com, ArtBase, The Seattle Times, USA Today, SF Gate, and many more.
