Is Replacing Alcohol with Weed a Good Idea?

As natural health is in the spotlight, people are turning away from alcohol in favor of cannabis. The Harris Poll reported in 2020 that forty-five percent of surveyed adults over age 21 replaced alcohol with cannabis during the pandemic. Some data shows that alcohol purchases decreased in states with legalized recreational cannabis.

But is it a good idea to replace alcohol with cannabis? Learn about the pros and cons of using cannabis instead of drinking alcohol. 

Get your medical marijuana card

Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.

Select State

Get started

Alcohol and Cannabis: Similarities and Differences

Similarities

Both alcohol and cannabis are mind-altering drugs. As psychoactive drugs, alcohol, and cannabis should not be used before driving or operating machinery, and alcohol and cannabis can also act as stimulants or depressants. Both hops (Humulus) and cannabis are also part of the same family, Cannabinacae, and share many similar terpenes, like myrcene and humulene.

Differences

People who smoke marijuana may have an increased risk of lung disease, but those who consume cannabis through other methods don’t have this risk. Alcohol, however, has been associated with many chronic illnesses, and there is only one way to consume it: by drinking.

The two also work on different receptor systems. Cannabis works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) (and can affect serotonin, dopamine, and many other receptor systems), whereas alcohol targets GABA receptors, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Alcohol suppresses central nervous system (CNS) activity, meaning overdose is possible. 

Pros and Cons of Substituting Weed for Alcohol

First, we must distinguish between people seeking to reduce alcohol intake and those suffering from alcoholism, a state of psychological and/or physical dependency. Proper treatment is crucial for those suffering from alcohol addiction and not just trying to reduce their drinking. 

Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly if not done under medical supervision.

Therefore, these advantages and disadvantages apply to people who are not dependent on alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. 

Advantages

Marijuana use has a leg up on alcohol in several ways, especially overall health. Here are some possible advantages of using cannabis instead of alcohol or illicit drugs. 

Potential Health Benefits

The cannabis terpene beta-caryophyllene has been shown to reduce alcohol intake in mice. Like CBD, beta-caryophyllene has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects that help heal and protect a damaged liver, often associated with alcoholism. 

Less Expensive

You can quickly grow your cannabis in states where cultivation is legal. On the other hand, making homemade alcohol is expensive, complex, and sometimes even dangerous. Purchasing good-quality cannabis from a licensed dispensary is usually less costly than buying a bottle of top-shelf liquor. Furthermore, medical cannabis is not generally taxable, whereas alcohol is. 

Safer to Use

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics, alcohol abuse is responsible for more than 95,000 deaths in the United States every year. In contrast, cannabis kills exactly zero people each year. Overdosing on cannabis is virtually impossible, and death has never been directly linked to using marijuana. 

Dr. Ruben Baler, a health scientist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said, “You can die binge-drinking five minutes after you’ve been exposed to alcohol. That isn’t going to happen with marijuana.”

Furthermore, excessive alcohol use has been linked to many serious illnesses, including cirrhosis (liver failure) and pancreatic cancer. The American Cancer Society cites alcohol use as one of the most preventable risk factors for developing cancer. On the other hand, cannabis has been shown in numerous studies to have cancer-fighting properties and to be a supplemental treatment for people with cancer.   

Less Addictive

According to research findings published in the Washington Post, approximately one in eight American adults (nearly thirteen percent) is an alcoholic. Contrast that number with the smaller nine percent of cannabis users who develop cannabis use disorder and consume excessively.  

Fewer Calories

Beyond the stereotypical “beer belly,” every type of alcohol contains more calories than the cannabis plant. The extra calories in a sugary strawberry daiquiri can quickly add to extra pounds. Studies have indicated that many cannabis users are slimmer than those who don’t use cannabis in juxtaposition. 

Disadvantages

Alcohol may have an edge over cannabis in several practical (but not health-related) ways. 

More Socially Acceptable to Drink

In most social situations, it’s appropriate to enjoy a glass of wine but not to smoke a joint. Alcohol is prominent in celebrations across many cultures, whereas cannabis is still taboo. 

Legal Issues

In the United States, individuals over 21may legally consume alcohol. But recreational cannabis remains illegal in most states and can carry hefty penalties where it is outlawed. 

The Bottom Line on Replacing Alcohol with Cannabis

While drinking in moderation is fine, sometimes people develop severe alcohol dependence that risks the overall quality of life. In those cases, cannabis may or may not be a suitable replacement. 

People with alcoholism may be genetically predisposed to it, which means they might be more likely to be among the nine percent of marijuana users who develop cannabis use disorder. Ultimately, it is best not to view cannabis as a substitute for alcohol but as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle when used in moderation. 

Safely enjoy the benefits of cannabis with a medical marijuana card. Leafwell’s physicians are here to help you apply online for your MMJ card in a matter of minutes.