Dear Alice,
What is, overall, safer for your body: alcohol or marijuana?
Dear Reader,
The health impact of any drug depends on how it's used, who's using it, how much is used, and under what circumstances. Marijuana and alcohol are no exception, so comparing them directly is difficult – each possesses the potential for unique risks or benefits.
For instance, alcohol is known to contribute to liver disease, but studies also suggest that a nightly glass of red wine can help keep your heart healthy. Similarly, marijuana is known to cause short-term cognitive impairment (trouble thinking clearly), but for certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, marijuana possesses therapeutic properties.
On the other hand, people using marijuana or alcohol to get high or drunk are more likely to experience the better-known negative consequences of these drugs. Alcohol use may contribute to liver disease, heart disease, peptic ulcers, and physical dependency. Marijuana use may contribute to problems thinking clearly, memory loss, dependency, and (if smoked) smoking-related health problems, such as throat and lung cancer and respiratory problems. Furthermore, both alcohol and marijuana are thought to contribute to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
One major difference worth noting is that it isn't possible to overdose on marijuana, while lots of alcohol in a brief period of time can lead to alcohol poisoning, an emergency medical condition that can be fatal.
Aside from direct health effects, getting behind the wheel while drunk or high poses significant risks to you and others. Marijuana and alcohol have both been shown to significantly reduce reaction time and motor coordination, two skills that are essential to safely operate a motor vehicle. In fact, many activities, such as sports or riding the subway, become dangerous when drunk or high. In general, being drunk or high compromises sound judgment and may lead to unhealthy or risky decisions that you wouldn't make when sober.
The list of facts and comparisons goes on and on, so check out the other Q&As in Alice's Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Drugs archive for more information.
- Alice
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Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Which is safer?
