Marijuana Vs Alcohol: Which Is Safer?

Marijuana and alcohol are two of the most commonly used substances worldwide, and the comparison between the two is a highly debated topic. Marijuana is widely used in a manner similar to alcohol, with people consuming it while socialising or relaxing. While marijuana remains a Schedule I drug, alcohol is legal for those above the age of 21. In recent years, a growing trend in the US has seen people replacing alcohol with marijuana, with the latter now legal for recreational use in 24 states. However, the question of which substance is safer remains a contentious issue.

Marijuana is less toxic, less addictive, and less harmful to the body than alcohol

The health-related costs associated with alcohol use are also significantly higher than those for marijuana consumption. An assessment in the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Journal found that the annual cost of alcohol consumption is $165 per user, compared to just $20 for marijuana users. This is due to the fact that alcohol poses far more significant health problems than marijuana. Alcohol is linked to various types of cancer, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver, and prostate. Marijuana, on the other hand, has not been conclusively associated with any form of cancer.

Marijuana is also less likely to contribute to violent or reckless behavior. 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%.

It is important to note that both substances can impair thinking and memory, especially in adolescents and young adults. 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.

Alcohol is linked to cancer, marijuana is not

Alcohol is a known toxin that can have serious effects on the brain and body. Drinking excessively, either on a single occasion or over a long period, can have severe health consequences. Binge drinking, which is on the rise, can lead to blackouts, memory loss, and impaired coordination. The CDC reports that nearly 88,000 alcohol-related overdose deaths occur each year in the US, with binge drinking accounting for about half of these fatalities. Alcohol is also directly linked to various types of cancer, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver, and prostate.

On the other hand, marijuana has not been conclusively associated with any form of cancer. Studies indicate that marijuana may even have neuroprotective properties, contrary to the long-held belief that it kills brain cells. For instance, a 2009 study found that teenagers who used marijuana and alcohol suffered less damage to their brains' white matter than those who used alcohol alone.

While marijuana is not without its risks, particularly for adolescents and pregnant women, it is exponentially less dangerous than alcohol. Marijuana is less toxic, less addictive, and less harmful to the body. There has never been a recorded case of an individual dying from a marijuana overdose, whereas alcohol poisoning claims thousands of lives annually. The CDC does not have a category for deaths caused by the health effects of marijuana, highlighting its relatively low mortality risk compared to alcohol.

The growing trend of substituting alcohol with marijuana is supported by research showing that marijuana is significantly less toxic and less likely to contribute to violent or reckless behavior. Marijuana is also associated with lower rates of intimate partner violence. While driving under the influence of marijuana can increase the risk of car accidents, it is still considerably safer than driving drunk.

In summary, alcohol is directly linked to an increased risk of various cancers and has severe health consequences, including brain damage and overdose deaths. Marijuana, while not without risks, has not been associated with cancer and is less toxic, less addictive, and less harmful overall. The available evidence suggests that, when comparing the two substances, marijuana is safer than alcohol.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug during pregnancy, but it may be linked to low birth weight

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association analysed data from over 9,000 pregnant women across the U.S. and found a correlation between cannabis use during pregnancy and an increased risk of negative outcomes, especially low birth weight. The study's lead author, Dr. Torri Metz, a high-risk obstetrician and associate professor at the University of Utah Health, stated that the risk increased with higher cannabis consumption during pregnancy.

The study also revealed a 50% increase in the risk of low birth weight when cannabis use during pregnancy was considered in isolation from other factors. Additionally, there was a heightened risk of stillbirth, neonatal intensive care admission, and neonatal complications and deaths, although these associations were not statistically significant.

Another notable aspect of the study was the ability to identify and measure cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Researchers found that one-third of women who used cannabis in the first trimester stopped, while the remaining two-thirds continued. This variation in cannabis use during pregnancy resulted in different neonatal outcomes, further emphasising the link between marijuana use and adverse effects on fetal health.

While marijuana use during pregnancy is prevalent, it is important to understand that it is not safe and can have serious consequences for both pregnant women and their babies. Marijuana use while breastfeeding can also be harmful, as THC and other chemicals can be passed to the baby through breast milk, negatively impacting brain development.

Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid marijuana use and consult their healthcare providers for safe treatment options to address issues like morning sickness.

Driving under the influence of either substance is dangerous, but driving drunk is considerably more so

While marijuana is considered safer than alcohol in many respects, driving under the influence of either substance is dangerous and can lead to accidents and even fatalities. However, driving drunk is considerably more dangerous than driving while high. Alcohol impairs thinking, memory, and coordination, and binge drinking can lead to blackouts, where individuals cannot remember their actions. 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%.

The effects of alcohol on the body and brain are well-documented. Alcohol is a toxic substance that can damage brain cells and is linked to various cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, liver, and prostate. Binge drinking was responsible for about half of the nearly 88,000 alcohol-related overdose deaths in the United States each year. Additionally, alcohol use during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), resulting in physical, behavioural, and intellectual disabilities in children.

On the other hand, marijuana has not been associated with the same level of harm. It is widely considered one of the least toxic drugs, with no known fatal overdoses. Marijuana has also been found to have neuroprotective properties, and studies suggest it may even reduce brain damage when used in conjunction with alcohol. While marijuana use before the age of 25 can potentially harm brain development, the same can be said for alcohol, and the specific risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy are still unclear.

In terms of societal harm, alcohol is also considered more detrimental. Alcohol is linked to intimate partner violence, while marijuana use has been associated with lower rates of such violence. Additionally, the health-related costs of alcohol consumption are eight times greater than those for marijuana use.

In conclusion, while driving under the influence of any substance is dangerous and should be avoided, the evidence suggests that alcohol poses a significantly greater risk to both the individual and society. The higher toxicity, increased impairment, and more severe health consequences associated with alcohol use make it a more dangerous substance overall.

Marijuana is widely used in a similar manner to alcohol, for social and therapeutic reasons

People consume marijuana in social settings, such as when relaxing with friends or after work. It is also used for therapeutic purposes, such as alleviating arthritis pain, relieving migraines, and aiding sleep. Marijuana is often chosen as a substitute for alcohol, with many perceiving it as a safer alternative. This perception is reflected in a study by the University of California, San Francisco, which found that adults increasingly viewed daily marijuana smoking as safer than tobacco smoking over time.

Marijuana is considered less toxic, less addictive, and less harmful to the body than alcohol. It is also linked to lower rates of intimate partner violence and reckless behavior. Additionally, marijuana use does not damage brain cells as alcohol does and is not associated with various cancers that alcohol is linked to.

However, it is important to note that both substances can impair thinking, memory, and coordination, and it is unsafe to drive under their influence. The developing brain is particularly sensitive to both marijuana and alcohol, and they should be avoided by teens, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. While marijuana is not known to cause fatal overdoses, heavy use can still lead to health problems and increased risk of car accidents.

When replacing alcohol with marijuana, it is recommended to purchase products from legal, regulated dispensaries that ensure product safety and purity. Starting with low doses and avoiding use before driving are also advised.

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