Is Replacing Alcohol with Weed a Good Idea?
Introduction
Substituting alcohol with medical cannabis is increasingly viewed as a healthier choice by many. While both substances can offer relaxation and relief from stress, their long-term impacts on health and safety differ significantly. This article explores why using cannabis regularly may be a much safer option than relying on alcohol.
Related: Top 6 Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Alcohol vs. Cannabis: Health Impacts
#1. Liver and Kidney Function
Your body can only handle small amounts of alcohol at a time. When you drink, your liver and kidneys work to break down and filter alcohol from your blood. However, even a few drinks can overwhelm these organs, leading to liver and kidney damage. Chronic alcohol use is linked to conditions such as alcohol-associated liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease.
In contrast, cannabis doesn’t negatively impact your liver or kidneys. Even compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, cannabis is easier on the kidneys and doesn’t cause cirrhosis or liver failure. This makes it a safer choice for those concerned about their liver and kidney health.
#2. Cancers and Diseases
Excessive, chronic drinking is also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and serious illnesses, including mouth, throat, and esophageal cancers, breast cancer, colon cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, alcohol use disorder, digestive and immune problems, and memory and mental health issues.
On the other hand, when consumed via edibles, tinctures, oils, or topicals, cannabis does not cause cancer. Although smoking cannabis, like smoking tobacco, poses some health risks, non-smoking applications are safe and do not lead to the development of cancer.
#3. Sleep
Alcohol is often assumed to aid sleep because it can make you feel drowsy. However, drinking before bed decreases sleep quality and leads to disturbances later in the night as your body processes the alcohol. Heavy drinking can exacerbate sleep conditions such as obstructive and central sleep apnea, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disruptions.
Cannabis, particularly products high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can effectively treat and manage disruptive sleep conditions like insomnia and relieve sleep problems for people with mental health conditions such as PTSD. High-THC cannabis reduces rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, keeping you in a deeper, more restorative state of sleep. This can also reduce the frequency of distressing nightmares, particularly beneficial for those with stress disorders.
It’s important to note that doctors usually recommend sleep aids, including cannabis, for short-term use. Individual experiences with cannabis as a sleep aid may vary and could change over time.
#4. Addiction and Overdoses
Alcohol is more addictive than cannabis, and the long-term effects of alcohol addiction (also called alcohol use disorder) are far more severe than cannabis dependence. Alcohol poisoning, which can occur from consuming too much alcohol in one sitting, is a medical emergency and can be fatal. In the U.S., alcohol poisoning results in about 1,600 deaths annually.
In contrast, it is nearly impossible to overdose on cannabis. While consuming too much cannabis might cause unpleasant side effects, it does not lead to medical emergencies like alcohol poisoning. Notably, cannabis overdose deaths are nonexistent.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Medical Cannabis
Cannabis is widely used to treat and manage a variety of medical conditions, which cannot be said for alcohol. Here are some conditions that benefit from cannabis use:
Chronic Pain: Cannabis can neutralize pain and inflammation, offering relief for chronic pain sufferers.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Cannabis can reduce symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Anxiety and Depression: Cannabis can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Seizure Disorders: Cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in conditions like epilepsy.
HIV and AIDS: Cannabis can increase appetite and reduce nausea, helping patients maintain a healthy weight.
Multiple Sclerosis: Cannabis can reduce muscle spasms and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
Glaucoma: Cannabis can lower intraocular pressure, offering relief for glaucoma patients.
Cancer: Cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer and its treatments, such as pain and nausea.
Cannabinoids, the chemical compounds found in cannabis, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to maintain internal balance. THC and CBD are two well-known cannabinoids that supplement natural endocannabinoid levels, promoting pain relief, mood improvement, appetite stimulation, and better sleep.
Gaining Access to Medical Cannabis
Thirty-eight states in the U.S. now have functional medical marijuana programs. In Virginia, to qualify, you typically need a qualifying medical condition and a recommendation from a state-licensed physician. Conditions that qualify often include chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, seizure disorders, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and the side effects of cancer treatments.
CannabisMD Telemed is one service that streamlines the process of obtaining a medical marijuana recommendation. Through CannabisMD Telemed, you can schedule an appointment with a licensed provider from the comfort of your home. During the appointment, the provider will assess your health condition and, if appropriate, provide a medical marijuana recommendation the same day.
Conclusion
While enjoying a cocktail with friends or a glass of wine after a long day is common, heavy and frequent drinking poses significant health risks. If you rely on alcohol to manage chronic pain or anxiety, consider replacing it with a safer, more effective treatment: medical cannabis. Once approved by a medical marijuana doctor, you’ll receive ongoing support and guidance on the best cannabis products and dosages for your symptoms.
CannabisMD Telemed makes it easy to get started, offering virtual appointments and same-day recommendations. Discover a safer way to heal and improve your quality of life with medical cannabis.
FAQs
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No, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to overdose on cannabis. While consuming too much cannabis might cause unpleasant side effects like anxiety, dizziness, or nausea, it does not lead to life-threatening conditions like alcohol poisoning. In the U.S., alcohol poisoning results in about 1,600 deaths annually, whereas cannabis overdose deaths are nonexistent.
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Cannabis can be habit-forming, but it is generally considered less addictive than alcohol. The long-term effects of alcohol addiction (alcohol use disorder) are far more severe than those of cannabis dependence. Alcohol addiction can lead to serious health issues such as liver disease, heart disease, and increased cancer risk. While cannabis dependence can cause discomfort and impact daily life, its health implications are significantly less severe compared to alcohol addiction.
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To access medical cannabis in states with legal programs, you need to have a qualifying medical condition and obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician. Services like CannabisMD Telemed make this process convenient by offering virtual appointments with licensed providers. During the appointment, the provider will assess your health condition and, if appropriate, provide a medical marijuana recommendation the same day. This allows you to access medical cannabis quickly and efficiently.
