The comparison between cannabis and alcohol often raises the question of which is the lesser evil for your health. While it seems that cannabis may have some advantages, it comes with its own set of considerations.

Is cannabis a healthier alternative to alcohol?

Both alcohol and cannabis offer similar desirable effects, providing relaxation, socialization, and a sense of enjoyment.

However, they share immediate health risks, particularly in impairing both physical and mental functions. This impairment alters decision-making, posing potential dangers in safety-sensitive activities such as driving or recreational pursuits.

Jessica emphasizes, “When impaired, decision-making deviates from the norm, escalating the risk of injury during various activities.”

Balancing act: Anxiety, irritability, and nausea

Consuming excess cannabis may induce anxiety or paranoia, while excessive alcohol intake can lead to irritability or aggression.

Both substances can cause nausea and vomiting, but it’s crucial to note that cannabis overdose is not fatal, unlike potentially lethal alcohol poisoning.

Jessica highlights the concerning synergy of combining alcohol and cannabis, stating, “The combined effects exceed the sum of individual parts, resulting in potentially harmful interactions.”

Aftermath: Hangovers and burnout

An excessive drinking session often results in a hangover, while overconsumption of cannabis can leave one feeling burnt out. Both substances can impact sleep patterns.

Research indicates that alcohol aids in falling asleep faster but disrupts sleep later on. Limited studies on cannabis and sleep suggest that CBD may address insomnia, and THC, akin to alcohol, might facilitate faster sleep onset but potentially cause disturbances later.

Jessica’s experience illustrates the sleep challenges associated with alcohol, leading to disrupted nights. In contrast, she attests to the absence of cannabis burnout.

Today, she turns to a THC-dominant vape pen to induce relaxation, helping her seamlessly transition into a restful night’s sleep.

In summary, the comparison between weed and booze involves weighing shared pleasures against shared risks, considering the nuanced effects on mental and physical well-being.

Understanding these dynamics can empower individuals to make informed choices based on their unique health considerations.

Chronic use and its impact on health conditions

The recent British Substance Use Costs and Harms report sheds light on health conditions attributed, wholly or partially, to substance use.

While alcohol is implicated in numerous chronic conditions, some fatal, cannabis appears to play a role in only a few. Notably, alcohol elevates the risk of over half a dozen types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Jessica notes, “Even one drink of alcohol a day slightly increases the risk of cancer,” acknowledging that the evidence linking occasional cannabis use to a higher cancer risk is not entirely convincing but warrants concern and caution.

Smoking and cancer risks

Smoking cannabis does heighten the likelihood of developing lung and tracheal cancer. However, Jessica suggests that individuals can mitigate this risk by consuming cannabis through alternative methods, such as vaping.

Notably, the 2019 vaping-related lung injuries and deaths were linked to vitamin E acetate in some illegal vapes, emphasizing the importance of obtaining supplies from legal retailers for safety.

Alcohol vs. Cannabis: Impact on specific health conditions

Alcohol is associated with several heart, digestive, and endocrine conditions, and it can induce or exacerbate mood and anxiety disorders while contributing to dementia. On the other hand, cannabis has not definitively been linked to such conditions.

Jessica Whyte, lead of addiction psychiatry notes that alcohol’s impact on mental health includes its role in mood and anxiety disorders and its contribution to dementia.

Cannabis, meanwhile, increases the risk of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, with earlier onset. However, there is ongoing debate about whether cannabis causes psychosis or if individuals predisposed to psychosis are more likely to use the drug.

Ms Whyte advises caution, especially for women with a family history of psychotic disorders, emphasizing the priority of avoiding such disorders, whether or not cannabis is a causative factor.

Safeguarding maternal and child health: a cautionary approach

Jessica underscores the importance of avoiding both alcohol and cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The well-established risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy include a myriad of physical, behavioral, and intellectual issues.

Additionally, some research indicates that cannabis use during pregnancy may contribute to low birth weight and learning challenges in childhood.

A Daily Drink or Toke: Health Implications

For those pondering the health benefits of a daily glass of red wine, “There are about 20 different reasons and types of scientific analysis that debunk the notion.”

While moderate drinkers may exhibit better health outcomes than abstainers, Jessica argues that this correlation likely results from factors unrelated to alcohol, such as a propensity for exercise, healthy eating habits, and absence of disabilities.

In summary, embracing a cautious approach by refraining from alcohol and cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is vital for safeguarding maternal and child health.

Moreover, scrutinizing the perceived health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption reveals a need for a more nuanced understanding of factors contributing to overall well-being.

Navigating the uncertain terrain of cannabis for health

While the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for various health issues, ranging from alcohol-use disorder to perimenopause symptoms and even COVID-19, have been explored, scientists often emphasize the need for more research.

Despite the scarcity of robust evidence, individuals in the cannabis industry frequently leverage early positive findings to promote their products and services.

Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, remarks, “Cannabis is being promoted for lots of health conditions, but the evidence is pretty skimpy.” Instead of a definitive stance discouraging use due to lack of evidence, the prevailing sentiment is more of an encouragement to explore: “There’s no evidence, so give it a try. Maybe it will help!”

Debunking perceptions: Chronic pain and mental illness

Medical cannabis is commonly employed by patients to address chronic pain and mental illness. While randomized controlled trials in other countries have been conducted on individuals with these conditions, the results do not consistently align with perceptions.

For instance, a review of trials on cannabis use for chronic pain revealed that while 62 percent reported relief among those who received cannabis, 52 percent reported relief among those who received a placebo.

The nuanced interpretation suggests that only about 10 percent experienced genuine pain reduction due to cannabis.

Seek professional guidance, not internet prescriptions

In light of the complexities surrounding cannabis use for health conditions, the importance of consulting healthcare practitioners over-relying on internet information.

“Google is not a doctor,” Ms Whyte warns, underscoring the need for personalized and expert advice when considering cannabis as a potential treatment.

Weekend relaxation: Navigating low-risk guidelines

As you unwind this weekend, experts unanimously advocate adhering to British low-risk guidelines. For alcohol consumption, both women and men are advised to limit themselves to no more than two drinks per week.

Similarly, when it comes to cannabis, the recommendation is occasional use, perhaps limiting it to one day a week or during weekends. Moreover, opting for non-smoking methods and choosing products with low THC content is emphasized.

Jessica Whyte emphasizes the importance of moderation in the use of both substances, stating, “A little bit of either is probably okay. Neither is entirely risk-free, but a lot of things in life aren’t.”

This prudent approach encourages individuals to enjoy their leisure activities responsibly, recognizing that moderation contributes to a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.