CBD (cannabidiol) has become very popular and is consumed by adults of all ages for a number of reasons.
It is a natural compound found in cannabis plants and can be sold as oils, supplements, extracts, gummies, gels, and many more. CBD does not give off the ‘high’ feeling associated with cannabis. That feeling comes from the THC component.
THC is the psychoactive compound that is found in cannabis and is what is responsible for that ‘high’ sensation. This can be experienced by smoking cannabis, but it can also be found in some edibles, capsules, oils, and gummies.
The legality of cannabis varies from state to state, with some areas allowing cannabis that has a meager amount of THC and other areas allowing the recreational use of cannabis.
This article will discuss whether cannabis consumption is safer than alcohol consumption.
Is CBD Consumption Safer Than Alcohol?
There are a number of CBD products available that do not contain THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis). These products come in the form of gels, oils, gummies, and many more.
They are available as they are said to have a number of benefits for the body. When CBD is used, it interacts with the neuroreceptors in the endocannabinoid system in the body.
This sends signals between human cells that regulate movement, mood, and the immune system.
Many use CBD to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and pain. It is often tolerated well, but in some cases, it may cause diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Given the above information, CBD use alone is safer than alcohol as there are very few drawbacks.
But, what about marijuana use and alcohol?
Is Marijuana Use Safer Than Alcohol?
When individuals smoke or consume marijuana, it contains both CBD and THC (the psychoactive component). Due to this, it has had a bad reputation for years, and is still illegal in many states, whereas alcohol is not.
However, more recent studies and research show that marijuana use is much safer than alcohol consumption.
This article will now discuss the impact both alcohol and marijuana have on individuals, and the community, so you can see for yourself which one causes more harm.
Impact On The Individual
Marijuana is used in the same way as alcohol. Most adults consume it while socializing, or to relax. Others, as mentioned above, use it for medicinal, or therapeutic purposes.
Keep reading to understand the different impacts that both of these drugs have on people.
You Can Die From Alcohol Use, But You Cannot From Marijuana
Death can occur from too much alcohol use. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 30,000 yearly deaths in the US are due to health complications related to alcohol.
This same organization has zero data on deaths caused by marijuana as it is so rare. Studies that have been conducted, have found that death with links to marijuana is around 114 times less than those associated with alcohol.
You Can Overdose On Alcohol, But You Cannot On Marijuana
Studies have shown that alcohol is one of the most toxic drugs, and consuming 10 times the regular amount can lead to death.
On the other hand, marijuana is one of the least toxic drugs available, and one must consume thousands of times the regular amount in order for there to be links to death.
However, this statement is theoretical, as there have been no reported deaths caused by an overdose of marijuana.
Brain Damage
Alcohol is known for damaging brain cells, and while marijuana has had a reputation for this too, several studies have actually shown that marijuana has neuroprotective properties, meaning that it protects brain cells from damage.
There Are Links Between Alcohol And Cancer, But Not Marijuana
Many studies have shown that there are links between alcohol consumption and several different cancers in the colon, lungs, esophagus, pancreas, and many more.
However, there aren’t any direct links between marijuana consumption and cancer. Interestingly, some studies have shown that marijuana consumption can reduce the likelihood of developing head and neck cancers.
Alcohol Is More Addictive Than Marijuana
Several studies have shown that alcohol is more addictive than marijuana. It states that while millions of Americans have tried marijuana, most aren’t regular users.
While some users do become dependent on marijuana, it is said to be less severe than alcohol and nicotine dependence.
Impact On The Community
The consumption of both of these drugs, especially alcohol, can have an impact on the community. Keep reading to learn about the difference in the impact of these two drugs.
Alcohol Can Lead To Aggressive Behavior, Marijuana Does Not
One does not need to read studies to know that alcohol can lead to aggressive and violent behavior in some individuals.
This behavior is very unlikely to come as a result of marijuana consumption. Consuming marijuana is more likely to reduce any aggressive behavior.
Links Between Alcohol And Violent Crimes
In America, there are millions of alcohol-related crimes that go on. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism state that roughly 25 to 30% of violent crimes in America are linked with alcohol use.
There are no studies that track the number of violent crimes associated with marijuana usage as it is not a drug that is associated with violence.
Links Between Alcohol And Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault
While alcohol does not cause domestic abuse and sexual assault, studies have shown that the use of alcohol makes this behavior more likely, whereas it is not, with the use of marijuana.
Studies have also shown that when drinking is involved, the odds of abuse are higher than if it weren’t.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, CBD consumption is considered to be safer than alcohol consumption, even if THC (the psychoactive component) is involved.
Alcohol usage has many links to cancer, violent behavior, and more, whereas there are rarely any links to this kind of behavior and health defects with marijuana.
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