One of the biggest arguments in favor of cannabis legalization is that it’s much safer than alcohol. But how true is this claim and how much does it hold up?

The problem with comparing the two substances is there is a lack of a strong body of research for cannabis. While there are plenty of studies out there pointing to the health benefits and potential risk factors, we still don’t have a clear vision as to how much safer (or more dangerous) cannabis is compared to alcohol.

Not to mention, both substances couldn’t be further distinguished from one another. Cannabis is considered a psychedelic, whereas alcohol is a depressant. One is namely consumed through inhalation where the other must be drunk. Each produces its own set of effects that make comparison extremely difficult.

However, throughout this article, we’re going to do our best to decipher the distinctions between the two and come to the conclusion as to which substance is safer overall. It should be noted that we’ll be taking a critical approach and, with that, observing the pros and cons of both these substances.

Before We Begin

As mentioned, cannabis and alcohol are extremely different substances. With that, there are a few things to consider before diving into comparisons. These include:

• Small Amount of Research - We’ve already mentioned the lack of research concerning cannabis. While more and more studies are being published weekly, we still don’t have solid, long-term research models to back up certain claims.
  
  
• Effect of Products - Cannabis can come in a number of different ways, from straight flower buds to edibles to topicals. Each of these produces a unique set of short-term and long-term effects that can alter how we compare cannabis to alcohol. For example, smoking cannabis can have negative effects on the lungs whereas cannabis edibles are a safer alternative.
  
  
• Our Biology - Cannabis and alcohol will have different effects from person-to-person depending on their biology. For example, somebody who’s prone to anxiety may feel more anxious after consuming cannabis. Whereas someone who’s not prone to anxiety will likely feel less anxious after cannabis consumption.

The above points will alter some of the points we make throughout this article and are definitely something to keep in mind as we continue.

What Are the Short-Term Effects?

In terms of comparing alcohol to cannabis, short term effects are considered to be what you feel after consumption. For alcohol-enthusiasts, it’s that drunk feeling whereas, for cannabis connoisseurs, it’s that high sensation.

While most agree that a cannabis high and alcohol intoxication are very different, some will find the effects to be similar. Again, this ultimately depends on your biology and how much of each substance you consume.

Cannabis

Cannabis highs are often associated with a euphoric feeling that allows people to be more creative, relaxed, and loose. Of course, not all individuals will feel euphoria as some can’t help but experience paranoia whenever they consume.

Still, the common short-term effects among those who consume cannabis are fairly similar and include:

• Change in perception of time
• Coordination and reflex difficulties
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dry, red eyes
• Giddiness
• Impaired cognitive functioning
• Impaired judgment
• Increased appetite
• Nausea
• Pain relief

It’s important to note that cannabis effects will vary depending on your consumption preference. For example, dry mouth is often experienced by those who smoke or vape cannabis.

Just as with cannabis, alcohol’s intoxication affects us all differently. Some people will feel very tranquil after consumption while others might be more restless and talkative.

The most common short-term effects of alcohol consumption include:

Coordination and reflex difficulties

Giddiness

Impaired cognitive functioning

Impaired judgment

Limited attention span

Nausea and vomiting

Relaxation

Restlessness

Unlike cannabis, people who consume alcohol are much more likely to experience a hangover the following day. It’s worth noting that an alcohol hangover is actually a short-term withdrawal where your body is detoxifying itself from the substance.

Common alcohol hangover symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Difficulties with sleep

Dizziness

Dry mouth

Fatigue and weakness

Hangover

Increased sensitivity to light and sound

Nausea, stomach pains, and vomiting

Shakiness

While the effects of cannabis and alcohol have a number of notable differences, the biggest has to be the hangover after intoxication. While cannabis smokers may feel some drowsiness the following day, alcohol drinkers are much more likely to experience more intense symptoms.

Though, cannabis and alcohol are also similar in some ways. While intoxicated, both substances can alter and inhibit your cognitive abilities, reflexes, and judgment. With that said, it remains unsafe to operate a motor vehicle or machinery while under the influence of either substance.

One more point worth mentioning is that too much consumption of alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning which can ultimately have fatal consequences. While there are definitely negative effects to consuming too much cannabis, no research has shown that it can lead to death.

What are the Long-Term Effects?

The long-term effects of any substance are defined by the health risks that come into fruition when the said substance is consumed regularly over a long period of time. Since there lacks long-term research in concerns with cannabis, it’s too early to tell what consequences could be for those who consume regularly over a long period of time. However, we do know some things.

Cannabis

Currently, there are two long-term effects cannabis has been associated with:

• Brain Development Problems - According to a 2014 study, individuals who consume cannabis at an early age may have brain development issues later on in life. The study suggests that this only occurs in individuals who continue consuming cannabis into their adult life and makes no confirmation that these effects are permanent. ¹
  
  
• Schizophrenia - Some experts theorize that cannabis use could lead to the onset of schizophrenia. It should be noted that there is no belief that cannabis causes schizophrenia. Rather, that consumption of cannabis could trigger schizophrenic symptoms in individuals who are already prone to the condition (i.e. those with a family history). ²

Currently, there is research underway to see how cannabis use effects other aspects of the brain and body. Most notably, what long-term cannabis smoke will do to the lungs.

Alcohol

There has been more research concerning the consequences of long-term alcohol use. While not everyone who drinks will develop these issues, these are the most common health complications associated with alcohol use:

• Liver Disease - Since alcohol is processed through the liver, it can also take a toll on it. Immoderate drinking may lead to chronic liver disease which can impact on the organ’s ability to detox and process other substances.
  
  
• Heart Damage - Drinking a lot leaves its weight on the cardiovascular system and makes you more at risk for certain cardiovascular complications, such as heart attacks.
  
  
• Stomach Damage - When drunk in large amounts, alcohol will irritate the stomach and other areas of the digestive tract. This can lead to ulcers, pain, bloating, and irritation

Final Word

Both cannabis and alcohol hold the potential for misuse. Alcohol tends to cause long-term users to develop a psychological and physical addiction whereas cannabis only causes a psychological dependence.

In the end, cannabis is without a doubt the safer candidate. Yet, its lack of research can be a bit disheartening for those genuinely trying to learn more about the substance.

Reference Sources

¹ The New England journal of medicine (HHS Public Access): Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/

² World Psychiatry (The World Psychiatry Association): Cannabis use and the risk of developing a psychotic disorder https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2424288/

Written and Published by Paul James In Weed World Magazine Issue 150