Some have speculated that alcohol may be more addictive than cannabis because, quite simply, it’s more widely legal and readily available. Recent research suggests that increasing cannabis legalization has been linked to rising rates of dependence. Instead, there’s evidence that this non-intoxicating cannabinoid may be able to treat addiction. A 2015 study, for example, found that CBD may be beneficial in treating opioid, cocaine, tobacco, and even cannabis addiction. Marijuana has been a hot topic for years, but one often clouded by misperceptions.
Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Recognizing Risks and Taking Action
A study on marijuana use and intimate partner violence found that couples who used marijuana had lower rates of intimate partner violence. Additionally, men who used marijuana were the least likely to commit an act of intimate partner violence. While driving under the influence of marijuana is dangerous and can increase the odds of a car accident by 83%, it is still considerably safer than driving drunk. When alcohol is involved in driving, the odds of a car accident increase by more than 2,200%.
Long-Term Health Effects
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of cannabis use that causes distress or impairs one’s life. THC, the main psychoactive and addictive component of cannabis, is typically smoked and rapidly absorbed by the lungs. While cannabis is considered a complex drug due to the hundreds of compounds it contains, THC is the most commonly studied compound. CUD can negatively affect mental, physical, and social health, leading to conditions such as psychosis, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, and hyperemesis syndrome.
Long-Term Effects
Smoking cannabis can be rough on the lungs, and cannabis use can lead to addiction and substance use disorders. Cannabis can also affect brain development and brain aging, with some studies showing a link between long-term heavy cannabis use and decreased IQ points. Cannabis may also exacerbate existing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychotic conditions, and increase the risk of psychotic episodes.
Alcohol is linked to chronic diseases and a shorter lifespan
The developing brain is very sensitive to both marijuana and alcohol, and their use can have negative consequences on memory and learning abilities. Additionally, both substances should be avoided by pregnant women, as they can have potential effects on the child. While marijuana may be linked to low birth weight, alcohol use during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), causing physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. Both weed and alcohol have the potential to affect mental health, although the specific effects can vary.
- Sure, research on the topic is ramping up a bit, but there’s still a lack of large, long-term studies.
- However, both substances carry their own risks, and there’s no research to prove one categorically safer than the other.
- If you are attempting to reduce your consumption of either substance, keeping weed and alcohol separate (or skipping them altogether) makes that journey easier and safer.
- In contrast, simple possession of cannabis can still be a crime in places where it’s not legalized.
- It makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes.
Health Impacts: Alcohol vs Marijuana
Legalization efforts are often partly about rectifying those past harms (expunging records of cannabis offenses, etc.). So from a legal justice standpoint, alcohol doesn’t carry the same risk of criminalization for the user as cannabis historically has. Meanwhile, bills like alcohol vs marijuana: is one safer than the other the MORE Act (to federally decriminalize and tax cannabis) have been introduced but not yet passed.
Weed vs. Alcohol: Is One Better Than the Other?
- Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a pervasive issue affecting millions across the globe.
- Hangover symptoms from weed frequently include brain fog, headache, and drowsiness.
- Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of cannabis use that causes distress or impairs one’s life.
- The debate about alcohol vs. marijuana has grown as society rethinks its views on drug use.
- Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide.
However, dosing with edibles can be imperfect and take time to ascertain so when using edibles it’s best to pace yourself and examine how you feel. However, ultimately cannabis edibles can take less of a toll on your health and provide you with a high or relaxation without causing too much damage to your body or health. Overall, cannabis use can be healthier and less addictive than alcohol use. Many of the issues have to do with legality and preconceived judgment of cannabis. Alcohol has been legal significantly longer compared to cannabis and some of these stigmas can impact people’s judgment about cannabis use.
Myth #3: Marijuana isn’t going to harm me long-term.
Ongoing research aims to clarify the connection between marijuana use and addiction. Both alcohol and marijuana carry risks and can be harmful, with addiction being a possible outcome for either substance. To reduce potential harm, it’s essential to approach substance use with caution and make well-informed decisions. Alcohol addiction treatment often begins with detox, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening without medical supervision. Trained healthcare providers can help you safely navigate the early stages of recovery.
At face value, they’re both harmful substances — suggesting that a title for “worst” may not be the important answer we’re looking for. To help us come to a conclusion for ourselves, we’ll take a side-by-side look at the different facets of alcohol and marijuana. Whether prioritizing one over the other, the focus should remain on responsible consumption, education, and balanced regulation to protect individual and societal well-being.
This can result in risky behaviour such as drunk driving, which is a leading cause of car accidents. In contrast, while marijuana use can increase the odds of a car accident by 83%, alcohol increases this risk by a staggering 2,200%. Alcohol is a known toxin that can have serious effects on the brain and body.
Half Day (IOP) provide intensive care and support to help individuals develop sobriety skills. They are recommended for those at a higher risk of relapse or who require more intensive care. Many people consume alcohol during social events, including celebrations and ceremonies. Several studies relied on self-reported cannabis use rather than actual measurements, and some people could have been light or occasional users. The researchers also acknowledged that the findings do not prove that cannabis use causes heart problems. Public attitudes toward cannabis have shifted dramatically over the past decade, with some perceiving cannabis to be safer than alcohol.