A study looking at cannabis use and intimate partner violence in the first decade of marriage found that marijuana users were significantly less likely to commit violence against a partner than those who did not use the drug. Men who used marijuana were the least likely to commit an act of intimate partner violence against a spouse. One paper in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that drug use was linked to a fivefold increase in violence, and the drug used was nearly always cannabis.
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. Prolonged alcohol use can lead to physical dependence, where the body becomes reliant on alcohol to function normally.This can cause the shakes and can affect your ability to lead a normal life. More than half of Americans live in states where recreational cannabis is legal.
How Many People Die From Weed?
- This almost points to the importance of regulation so people can use standardized dosages to track their usage of cannabis.
- However, more research is needed, especially on the long-term effects of cannabis use.
- The truth is, both alcohol and weed may cause negative health effects, including addiction.
- 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.
- While short-term benefits such as reduced pain and improved mood are well-documented, emerging research indicates that chronic use may lead to significant alterations in brain function and immune responses.
Those products take at least 30 to 90 minutes to take effect because they must be digested and then processed through your liver, she explains. However, both substances carry their own risks, and there’s no research to prove one categorically safer than the other. However, experts say both cannabis and alcohol carry health risks that people are often unaware of. Cannabis tends to come with fewer risks than alcohol, but there are a lot of factors to consider.
Marijuana linked to doubled risk of cardiovascular death
If you want to seek out medical marijuana for a specific condition consider finding a doctor with Green Health Docs. Getting a medical marijuana card can ensure that you have access to regulated medical marijuana simply and easily. That being said, alcohol still faces all of the same aforementioned tolls on your health and risks of addiction.
Health Effects Of Weed Vs. Alcohol
Alcohol misuse is also a leading Weed vs booze cause of pancreatitis, a disease of the pancreas. Alcohol is everywhere yet we are well aware of the risks and dangers of alcohol use and abuse. The cannabis industry is making marijuana as readily available thanks to recreational legalization; it could be as common as alcohol.
- Clinical studies suggest that dependency on either substance may lead to long-term behavioral alterations, including impaired impulse control and decision-making capacity.
- As a team of pain medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, and surgeons, we knew that there had to be a better way to help patients.
- The experience of dependence on marijuana tends to be less severe than that of alcohol.
- For example, smoking is rough on your lungs, but this risk doesn’t apply to edibles.
- This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs.
Exploring Alcohol vs Marijuana: A Look at Long Term Effects
While being intoxicated with cannabis feels different than being intoxicated with alcohol, the two have roughly the same effect on your cognitive abilities, reflexes, and judgment. If you do get hungover, you might experience other effects, including headaches and diarrhea. There are countless cannabis products on the market and a number of consumption options, from vaping to edibles.
Alcohol Vs Weed Pros And Cons
Some people feel fine after small and sometimes even large amounts of THC. “They may feel uneasy or anxious and their heart rate and blood pressure may rise. Nausea and vomiting are also possible, and some people even become paranoid and agitated,” says Dr. Gruber. While everyone is different, people generally know how they’re going to react if they drink, say, a light beer or two gin and tonics, says Dr. Gruber. But people are less familiar with the effects of cannabis in general — and of cannabis beverages in particular.
Reviewing Research on Systemic Consequences
In general, marijuana is considered less harmful than alcohol but alcohol can be considered more socially acceptable. After all, you can only purchase cannabis products at dispensaries where in some states you can purchase alcohol in supermarkets. Additionally, alcohol is more socially acceptable in public use or work situations while using cannabis at a work function could be looked down upon. Some people may consider both substances similar because of how they make you feel.
Weed can have complex and varied effects on sleep due to its influence on the endocannabinoid system, which regulates sleep, among other things. Different compounds in weed, such as THC and CBD, can have contrasting effects on sleep. THC, for example, can act as a sedative in higher doses and may help some people fall asleep faster. However, it can also reduce REM sleep, which is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Regular use of THC may result in a person experiencing less restorative sleep overall, which could lead to increased fatigue and impaired cognitive function during the day.
However, it is clear that both substances have negative long-term health consequences, and the safest amount of consumption for either is the smallest amount. Numerous studies indicate an association with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and even increased risk of suicidal ideation. The psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known to influence neurotransmitter pathways, which can result in fluctuations in mood and cognition .
Additionally, any deficits or issues caused by heavy cannabis use can be reversible. It’s important to understand the distinct difference between alcohol and cannabis addiction. Cannabis is more likely to lead to a use disorder where you are habitually or are psychologically addicted to cannabis and want to use it.
Furthermore, daily decision-making can encompass moderating substance use, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting dietary modifications that support cognition health and cognitive resilience. In practice, aligning these choices with research means that individuals periodically assess their personal consumption habits and replace high-risk behaviors with safer, evidence-based approaches. Societal perceptions regarding alcohol and marijuana use have evolved significantly over recent decades, yet stigma remains a potent influence. Conversely, the growing legalization of marijuana has somewhat ameliorated its social stigma, though there is still a notable difference in how chronic users are perceived compared to occasional recreational users.