I rarely mix weed and alcohol—otherwise, I become more silent than a hermit crab floating in space.
But the high that results from combining the two drugs—known as a "crossfade"—isn't uncommon. Researchers, however, are still delving into the science behind this blissed-out state of mind—and why so many people seek it out.
Let's start with what you probably already know: Alcohol is a depressant, but in low doses it causes emotional release and lowers inhibitions. Marijuana is also known for its relaxing qualities, but can produce very different results depending on how much and what strain of it you smoke. So what happens when you mix them together?
The first thing to know: "Not everyone responds to alcohol and marijuana the same [way]," says Scott Lukas, a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at Harvard Medical School. Lukas would know: He's now done two studies in which he got people high and observed their reactions.
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