Weighing the risks, cannabis may be favorable to alcohol in several respects

When Relaxing after work or socializing with friends and family, many of us reach for alcohol. there are compelling reasons why you may want to reconsider and opt for cannabis instead

For many, alcohol consumption is a frequent activity associated with evenings or weekends, helping to put a hard day behind us. Marking the transition from daily responsibility to down time, a glass is often raised with a sense of relief. With the rise of recreational cannabis in the United States however, the dynamic is beginning to change ever so slightly. More and more, people are discovering or rediscovering the social aspects of cannabis and are ditching the drinks for some form of cannabis. With the rise of recreational cannabis consumption, there is an emergent need to discuss the differences between the two.

What’s Less Destructive, Cannabis or Alcohol?

Cannabis and alcohol both possess certain intoxicating effects, which can make it hard to discern when we have consumed too much, or when we have become addicted to the substance we socialize with. There are several factors to take into consideration when comparing the consumption of alcohol to the consumption of cannabis.

We’ve cited some studies comparing cannabis vs. alcohol, here’s our takeaway:

• Chronic alcohol abuse may cause permanent changes in your brain, often leading to impaired brain function (1)

• The Lancet published a study that found alcohol to be the most harmful drug to others in terms of acts of violence. (2)

• The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that couples who use marijuana are less likely to experience intimate partner violence. (3)

• Marijuana is the second most detected substance in drivers who were involved in car accidents. The Elsevier study shows that drivers under the influence of marijuana are 83% more likely to be in a car accidents. While that likelihood seems high, it is relatively low compared to the 2200% increased chance for those driving under the influence of alcohol. (4)

• Repeated consumption of alcohol has the potential to cause cancer. The National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health lists consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen. (5)

Cannabis: It’s less harmful than Alcohol?

In the past 50 years there have been no medically proven cases of beneficial alcohol consumption. Cannabis, however, has proven it is a pharmacopoeia powerhouse whose true potential has yet to be researched and documented by the established science community. Research has proven that long term, overconsumption of alcohol may lead to potential detrimental organ complications. While we aren’t out to demonize the the consumption or responsible use of alcohol, it’s important that we highlight these very real risks. Even with cannabis, moderation is key. It’s simply the profound evidence of the risks alcohol that cannot be ignored.

Cannabis vs. Alcohol

Weighing the risks, cannabis may be favorable to alcohol in several respects

When Relaxing after work or socializing with friends and family, many of us reach for alcohol. there are compelling reasons why you may want to reconsider and opt for cannabis instead

What’s Less Destructive, Cannabis or Alcohol?

Cannabis: It’s less harmful than Alcohol?

Cited Studies