Is cannabis a healthier choice than alcohol? The answer seems to be yes, but with plenty of caveats.

Melissa Egan and her wife, Kasha, enjoy unwinding with some craft beverages and tasty appetisers on the weekend. However, forget wine and cheese—this London couple prefers cannabis drinks and edibles.

“I’ve found cannabis to be very useful, particularly this year, because it’s a relaxing experience; it’s a unifying experience rather than something that makes me feel aggressive or overly emotional,” says Egan.

That “something” is booze, which Egan rarely touches.

The 45-year-old used to reach for sangria or a gin and tonic after work, but when she hit her mid-30s and perimenopause, she started to really feel it—in a bad way. Alcohol exacerbated her hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats, nausea, dizziness, and stomach issues. And then there were the hangovers.

“If I had three drinks on a Friday night, I wouldn’t feel like myself until Sunday afternoon. That’s a waste of a weekend,” says Egan. “I thought, ‘Why am I drinking? I’m not actually getting what I want from it in the moment. And in the aftermath, it feels pretty bad.’”

Around the same time, she started seeing Kasha, who introduced her to a medical cannabis grower and high-quality products. Egan realised that cannabis, just like alcohol, helped her relax, socialise and have a giggle, but without the negative side effects.

In fact, she says, cannabis has eased many of her perimenopause symptoms, particularly nausea and insomnia. Today, she uses cannabis daily, both recreationally and therapeutically.

Recreational Cannabis vs. Alcohol consumption trends in the UK

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in the UK, yet government statistics show a steady increase in its use among women since 2019. Meanwhile, the percentage of women consuming alcohol at least once a month has seen a slight decline for the first time in several years. Presently, approximately 58 percent of women drink alcohol regularly, while 15 percent use cannabis with similar frequency.

According to Statistics UK, the rise in cannabis consumption is likely attributed to its increasing social acceptance and the proliferation of online shops offering varied products. Another contributing factor is the perception among women, like Egan, that cannabis presents fewer physical and mental health risks compared to alcohol. But is cannabis genuinely a healthier choice? The answer appears affirmative, albeit with significant considerations.

Rebecca Jesseman, Director of Policy at the UK Addiction Treatment Centre, finds it challenging to definitively declare cannabis less harmful than alcohol, primarily due to the extensive research documenting the clear harms of alcohol use.

“It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” explains Jesseman. “Both substances carry health risks and can lead to dependency if used in unhealthy ways.”

Individual factors, including frequency, dosage, and potency of consumption, play crucial roles. Moderate alcohol intake on weekends differs significantly from daily heavy martini consumption. Similarly, the potency and consumption methods of cannabis—such as high-THC hash versus CBD oil, or smoking versus ingestion—impact health outcomes. Genetic predispositions and underlying health conditions further influence these effects.

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Understanding the health impacts: Cannabis vs. Alcohol

Rebecca Jesseman highlights the challenges in studying cannabis due to its illegal status in the UK: “We’ve had decades to study the health impacts of alcohol use, whereas we’re just beginning to gather evidence on cannabis.”

Despite these obstacles, some experts have formed strong opinions. Tim Stockwell, a scientist at the Addiction Research at the University of London, asserts, “Cannabis isn’t without risk, but alcohol poses greater dangers, leading to more widespread and costly harms.” According to researchers, in 2017, although four times as many women used alcohol compared to cannabis, alcohol was responsible for 15 times as many deaths and hospitalizations.

Stockwell acknowledges the need for more research into cannabis’s health effects but notes the existence of numerous longitudinal studies on cannabis users. “If there were significant issues, we would likely have identified them by now,” he suggests.

 

The highs and lows of alcohol and cannabis

Alcohol and cannabis share many sought-after effects: they help you relax, unwind, socialise, and enjoy yourself. However, they also come with immediate health risks, notably impairing physical and mental abilities.

“When you’re impaired, your decision-making is altered,” explains Jesseman. “Engaging in safety-sensitive activities like driving or recreational pursuits could lead to accidents.”

Consuming excessive cannabis may induce anxiety or paranoia, while too much alcohol can lead to irritability or aggression. Both substances can cause nausea and vomiting, yet unlike cannabis, alcohol overdose can be fatal. Stockwell underscores that combining alcohol and cannabis can exacerbate negative effects. “Their combined impact can be more severe than each individually,” he cautions. “There appear to be adverse interactions.”

Overindulgence in alcohol often results in a hangover, whereas excessive cannabis use can leave one feeling drained. Both substances can disrupt sleep patterns. Research indicates that while alcohol can initially aid in falling asleep, it can disrupt sleep later in the night. Studies on cannabis and sleep are emerging, with findings suggesting CBD might assist in treating insomnia, while THC, akin to alcohol, may aid in initial sleep but disrupt it later.

Egan, reflecting on her experiences, recalls how alcohol would initially help her sleep but disrupt her later, exacerbating her hangovers. Conversely, she notes cannabis hasn’t caused similar burnout effects. She now relies on a THC-dominant vape pen by her bedside. “A few puffs help relax my body and mind, ensuring a restful night’s sleep,” she shares.

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Chronic use and chronic conditions: Comparing alcohol and cannabis

Alcohol is associated with numerous chronic conditions, many of which can be fatal, whereas cannabis’s role in chronic health issues appears limited, based on current research. Notably, alcohol significantly increases the risk of more than half a dozen types of cancer, including breast cancer.

“There’s a slight increase in cancer risk even with as little as one drink of alcohol per day,” notes Stockwell, highlighting that evidence linking occasional cannabis use to higher cancer risk is not compelling but warrants caution.

Smoking cannabis does elevate the risk of lung and tracheal cancers. Stockwell advises mitigating this risk by opting for alternative consumption methods like vaping. Concerns arose in 2019 due to lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping, linked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to vitamin E acetate found in some illicit vapes. Stockwell advocates purchasing cannabis from legal sources to ensure safety.

Alcohol can also lead to various heart, digestive, and endocrine disorders, whereas cannabis has not definitively been linked to such conditions. Jennifer Brasch, lead of addiction psychiatry at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ont., points out that alcohol can exacerbate mood and anxiety disorders and contribute to dementia.

Cannabis use does increase the risk of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and may bring about earlier onset. Brasch acknowledges ongoing debate about whether cannabis causes psychosis or is more likely used by individuals predisposed to such conditions. She advises women with a family history of psychotic disorders to exercise caution with cannabis use. “Whether it’s causal or coincidental, preventing psychotic disorders should be a priority,” she emphasises.

Both Brasch and Stockwell underscore the importance of abstaining from alcohol and cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Drinking during pregnancy is known to cause a range of physical, behavioural, and intellectual issues, while research suggests cannabis use may result in low birth weight and learning challenges in children.

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A drink or toke a day: Health considerations

If you’ve been hoping that a daily glass of red wine is good for your heart, Tim Stockwell delivers disappointing news: “There are numerous scientific analyses debunking that charming idea,” he asserts. While moderate drinkers often exhibit healthier lifestyles—such as regular exercise, balanced diets, and fewer disabilities—Stockwell stresses that these positive outcomes likely stem from factors unrelated to alcohol consumption.

While cannabis shows promise in potentially treating various health issues—from alcohol-use disorder to perimenopause symptoms and even COVID-19—scientific consensus maintains that more rigorous research is necessary. However, the cannabis industry frequently promotes early positive findings to market products and services.

“Cannabis is touted for many health conditions, but the supporting evidence remains scant,” explains Jennifer Brasch, who also serves as co-chair of the medical advisory board at the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research. “It’s not ‘There’s no evidence, so don’t use it,’ but rather ‘There’s no evidence, so give it a try. It might help!’”

Currently, medical cannabis is predominantly used to alleviate chronic pain and mental illnesses, with trials in other countries suggesting mixed outcomes. For instance, while many users report relief, placebo responses are notable, indicating nuanced effects. Brasch highlights a recent review on cannabis and chronic pain, revealing that 62 percent of cannabis recipients reported relief, akin to 52 percent of those receiving placebos. Thus, only a minority likely benefits significantly from cannabis for pain relief.

Considering trying cannabis for health reasons?

Jesseman advises consulting healthcare professionals rather than relying on internet resources. “Google isn’t a substitute for medical advice,” she cautions.

Whatever your choice this weekend, experts recommend adhering to Canada’s low-risk guidelines: limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per week for both men and women, and using cannabis infrequently, such as once a week or on weekends, while avoiding smoking and opting for low THC products.

“Exercise caution with both substances,” advises Stockwell. “Moderation is likely safe, but neither is entirely risk-free, much like many aspects of life.”

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.