Is alcohol or marijuana safer?

Dear Reader, 

This seems like a high-stakes debate (pun intended). People often ask this question, but the answer isn’t simple. Both alcohol and marijuana affect the body differently. Their effects can vary depending on individual characteristics like physical or mental health. Read on to explore what “safer” means and the effects of alcohol and marijuana. 

What does it mean for a substance to be “safer?” 

When people say a substance is “safer,” they usually don’t mean that there is zero risk involved. When comparing alcohol to marijuana, what counts as safer depends on the situation. The risk depends on factors such as age, physical or mental health, family history of substance use, the frequency of use, and the amount of a substance that’s used.  

You might want to consider these questions when debating whether a substance is safer: 

• How does the frequency of using this substance affect your body? 
• How does the amount of substance you use affect your boy?  
• Are you focusing more on short-term effects or long-term effects?  

Answering these questions can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the substances you might use.  

Which substance is safer: alcohol or marijuana? 

Overall, there isn’t a simple answer to whether alcohol or marijuana is safer. Both substances have risks associated with cognitive function, judgment, dependence, and addiction. Neither substance is completely safe, and risk varies from person to person. Since the risks differ for everyone, there might not be a clear “safer” substance. Keeping in mind the risks of each substance can help you make informed choices about what is “safer” for you. 

What are the effects of marijuana? 

Marijuana comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the chemical that causes users to become “high.” THC affects the body in different ways. These effects can change depending on how much you use, how often, and how it’s taken (smoked or eaten).   

Common short-term effects of marijuana include: 

• Changes in senses: colors or sounds feeling stronger 
• Mood changes: feeling relaxed or anxious 
• Brain fog: trouble with memory, attention, or focus 
• Physical effects: dry mouth, nausea, or dizziness 

List adapted from Cleveland Clinic 

Using marijuana regularly can also lead to long-term effects. These may include: 

• Addiction and withdrawal: Some people develop an addiction to marijuana. This means it has become difficult to stop using it. Stopping after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep problems, headaches, or low appetite.  
• Changes in brain function: Long-term use can affect how the brain’s executive function works. Executive function includes influencing attention, decision-making, planning, emotional processing, and self-control.  
• Mental health risks: Frequent use is linked to a higher risk of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Use of marijuana is especially risky for people who have a family history. 
• Lung and heart effects: Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs. It may also raise the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease or stroke.  

List adapted from Cleveland Clinic 

What are the effects of alcohol? 

Alcohol affects the body quickly. Its effects depend on how much, how often, and how long they’ve been drinking.  

Some common short-term effects of alcohol include:  

• Intoxication: Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, reaction time, and decision-making.  
• Slowed body function: Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows brain activity. This can affect breathing, heart rate, and overall body function, especially at higher amounts.  
• Tolerance: With repeated drinking, the body may crave more alcohol to feel the same effects. This can increase the risk of drinking more than intended.  
• Hangovers: After drinking, people may experience headaches, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and trouble concentrating.  

• Poisoning: Drinking too much alcohol in a short time can overwhelm the body. This leads to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms can include vomiting, slowed breathing, or unconsciousness. When this occurs, it’s best to call emergency services as soon as possible. 

List adapted from Medical News Today 

Regular drinking over time can lead to long-term effects, including:  

• Alcohol addiction and dependence: Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition. This occurs when a person has trouble controlling or stopping their drinking, even if it harms their health, relationships, or work. Tolerance increases and the body becomes dependent on alcohol. 
• Withdrawal: When someone who is dependent on alcohol stops drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, vomiting, or fever.  
• Mental health effects: Drinking alcohol regularly is associated with a higher risk for anxiety, depression, memory and attention issues, and use of other substances.  
• Physical health conditions: Regularly drinking alcohol can lead to liver disease, pancreatitis, cardiovascular issues, or stomach cancer.  

List adapted from Medical News Today 

Ultimately, what is considered “safe” when it comes to substance use really varies based on the person, their concerns, and their bodies.  

Stay safe,