Cannabis has been used as a medicine and intoxicant for thousands of years. While it is still illegal in many places, more and more people are beginning to see the benefits of cannabis over alcohol. You can get yours from Toronto Cannabis Dispensary.
Here are six reasons why cannabis is better than alcohol:
1: Cannabis is not as harmful to your health as alcohol.
Cannabis has been shown to be far less harmful to human health than alcohol. A study published in The Lancet found that “the estimated risk of all-cause mortality associated with cannabis use was lower than that for alcohol use” and that “there was no evidence that cannabis use increased the risk of dying from cancer or other causes.”
In contrast, alcohol is a known carcinogen, and heavy drinking can lead to liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and gastrointestinal problems. Alcohol is also more addictive than cannabis, meaning that people who start drinking are more likely to develop problematic patterns of consumption.
2: Cannabis does not make you aggressive.
There is a common misconception that cannabis makes people “lazy” and “unmotivated.” However, research has shown that cannabis actually decreases aggression and violence. A study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that “cannabis use was associated with lower levels of self-reported aggression after controlling for confounding variables.”
In contrast, alcohol is a known “disinhibitor,” meaning it lowers inhibitions and can lead to aggressive or violent behavior.
3: Cannabis does not impair your cognitive abilities.
A common concern about cannabis is that it will “fry your brain” or cause long-term damage to cognitive abilities. However, a growing body of research suggests that this is not the case. A study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that “acute administration of THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) does not produce significant neurocognitive effects in healthy adults.”
In contrast, alcohol has been shown to impair cognition, including working memory, attention, and executive function. Heavy drinking can also lead to brain damage and increase the risk of developing dementia.
4: Cannabis is not linked to violence or crime.
Cannabis has often been portrayed as a “gateway drug” that leads to harder drugs and criminal activity. However, the evidence does not support this claim. A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that “there is no evidence that cannabis use increases the likelihood of progressing to other illicit drug use.”
In contrast, alcohol is linked to violent and aggressive behavior, as well as crime. A study published in the journal Addiction found that “alcohol was involved in [a] significantly greater proportion of violent incidents than [was] cannabis.”
5: Cannabis can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Cannabis has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including pain, nausea, seizures, and anxiety. A review published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology found that “cannabis has a wide range of therapeutic properties that are applicable across a number of neurological disorders.”
In contrast, alcohol is not an effective treatment for any medical condition and can actually make some conditions worse. For example, drinking alcohol can exacerbate anxiety and increase the risk of developing depression.
6: Cannabis is not addictive.
Cannabis is often described as “addictive,” but this is not accurate. While some people may develop problematic patterns of cannabis use, the vast majority of users do not. A review published in the journal Substance Abuse found that “the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder in the general population is estimated to be less than 0.50%.”
In contrast, alcohol is a highly addictive substance, with approximately 15% of drinkers developing an Alcohol Use Disorder. Heavy drinking can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, and seizures.
Conclusion
Cannabis is a safe and effective alternative to alcohol. It does not impair cognitive abilities, is not linked to violence or crime, and can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Cannabis is also non-addictive and does not make people “lazy” or “unmotivated.” If you are looking for a safer way to relax or relieve pain, cannabis may be the right choice for you.
References:
- Addiction. (2011). Alcohol and violence: A review of the research literature. Retrieved from:
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence. (2014). Does cannabis use predict subsequent use and abuse of other illicit drugs? Retrieved from: Frontiers in Neurology.