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Is replacing alcohol with weed a good idea?

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Last updated on Dec 18, 2024

Created on Dec 4, 2021

can you replace alcohol with weed

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dr. Lewis Jassey

Table of contents

  1. Alcohol and cannabis: Similarities and differences
  2. Pros of replacing alcohol with cannabis
  3. Cons of replacing alcohol with cannabis
  4. The bottom line on replacing alcohol with cannabis
  5. Frequently asked questions
  6. Resources

As natural health is in the spotlight, people are turning away from alcohol in favor of cannabis. The Harris Poll reported in 2020 that 45% of surveyed adults over age 21 replaced alcohol with cannabis during the pandemic. Some data shows that alcohol purchases have decreased in states with legalized recreational cannabis.

But is it a good idea to replace alcohol with cannabis? Evidence shows that even daily marijuana use may come with fewer risks or side effects compared to heavy drinking or binge drinking. Besides that, cannabis contains numerous health benefits by comparison.

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Alcohol and cannabis: Similarities and differences

similarities and differences of cannabis and weed

Similarities

Alcohol and cannabis are mind-altering drugs, and both can act as stimulants or depressants. As psychoactive drugs, neither should be used before driving or operating machinery.

They also share some potential side effects. Overconsumption of either cannabis or alcohol can lead to adverse effects such as dizziness, disorientation/confusion, nausea/vomiting, impaired memory, and mood changes.

Interestingly, both cannabis and hops (Humulus), an ingredient in every commercial beer, are 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. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is also associated with a higher risk of head and neck cancers, but this does not necessarily apply to those who control their cannabis usage.

Alcohol, however, has been associated with many chronic illnesses, and there is only one way to consume it: by drinking. Even moderate drinking (one to two drinks per day) can increase one’s risk of a variety of health problems, including some types of cancer.

The two also work on different receptor systems. Cannabis works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as well as serotonin, dopamine, and many other receptor systems. Alcohol targets dopamine along with GABA receptors, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes sedation.

Alcohol suppresses central nervous system (CNS) activity, meaning a fatal overdose is possible. There are no recorded instances of fatal overdose from cannabis alone.

Pros of replacing alcohol with cannabis

pros of cannabis use

Before addressing the advantages of switching, we must distinguish between people trying 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, as simply trying to reduce one’s drinking isn’t enough. Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly if not done under medical supervision.

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

Potential health benefits

The potential health benefits of cannabis are extensive and diverse. Again, cannabis works with the endocannabinoid system, which is the chief regulator of our body’s many important processes. The cannabinoids in cannabis, including THC and CBD, may help regulate the mood, inflammation response, pain response, neurological function, immune function, and more.

Then, there are the many terpenes in cannabis which offer a multitude of benefits as well. Beta-caryophyllene, a cannabis terpene that also behaves as a cannabinoid, has been shown to reduce alcohol intake in mice. Meanwhile, beta-caryophyllene provides anti-inflammatory effects that may help heal and protect a damaged liver, often associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

One of the most common symptoms among people who have recently given up drinking is trouble sleeping at night, as it can take time for one’s brain chemistry to readjust to the lack of alcohol intake. In this case, cannabis can come in handy, as many people use cannabinoids to treat insomnia.

Speaking of sleep, cannabis seems to be less detrimental to overall sleep health compared to alcohol, based on anecdotal data. Both are commonly used as sleep aids, but while alcohol consumption may help a person fall asleep faster, sleep quality is negatively affected. Even moderate drinking may reduce sleep quality, especially if alcohol is consumed shortly before bedtime.

Less expensive

Purchasing good-quality cannabis from a licensed dispensary is usually less costly than buying a bottle of top-shelf liquor. Furthermore, medical cannabis attracts less tax compared to alcohol in most US states.

You can also grow your cannabis in states where cultivation is legal. On the other hand, making homemade alcohol is expensive, complex, and sometimes even dangerous.

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, marijuana use on its own 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, heavy drinking 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 preventative 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 JAMA Psychiatry, approximately one in eight American adults (nearly 13%) is an alcoholic. Contrast that number with the smaller 9% of cannabis users who develop cannabis use disorder and engage in recreational use excessively.

Fewer calories

We all know the stereotypical “beer belly,” but beyond that, every type of alcohol contains more calories than the cannabis plant. The extra calories in a sugary strawberry daiquiri can quickly lead to extra pounds, and even a couple shots of tequila can add up to a couple hundred calories or more. In juxtaposition, studies have indicated that many cannabis users are slimmer than those who don’t use cannabis.

Cons of replacing alcohol with cannabis

Alcohol may have an edge over cannabis in some 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, largely due to its legal status. Of course, as more states legalize cannabis use, the stigma is gradually decreasing.

Legal issues

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

Drug tests

Both marijuana and alcohol use can show up on a drug test, and this can have a major impact on a person’s employment. While cannabis use can be detected in a person’s urine for weeks, alcohol typically leaves the body no more than 72 hours after the last drink was consumed.

Many employers are less likely to fire or fail to hire someone because they had some drinks over the weekend. At the same time, even in states where cannabis has been legalized, just a trace amount of detectable THC can mean getting into trouble at work.

There is one exception, however: CBD products, which contain no more than 0.3% THC. High-CBD products are unlikely to cause a failed drug test result. CBD is non-intoxicating, and not a part of a standard test for drug use.

The bottom line on replacing alcohol with cannabis

While drinking in moderation is fine, some people develop severe alcohol dependence that risks their overall quality of life. Besides that, even light to moderate drinkers may have reasons for giving up alcohol, like trying to lose weight. Regardless of the reason, 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’s best to view medical cannabis as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle when used in moderation.

With that said, evidence suggests that medical users are more likely to reduce their alcohol intake successfully compared to recreational users. If you’re considering making the switch, do so safely by contacting a physician at Leafwell, and starting the process of getting a medical marijuana card online.

Frequently asked questions

Is weed a better alternative to alcohol?

In many ways, yes. The cannabis plant undoubtedly provides more health benefits than a shot of whiskey. However, the health benefits alone do not make cannabis a better alternative to alcohol unless the user takes a balanced and disciplined approach.

Those suffering from mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to abuse alcohol. Cannabis could be a suitable replacement in such instances, but it requires appropriate professional therapy to ensure long-term success.

Can medical marijuana treat alcoholism?

No, medical marijuana is not an alcoholism treatment. People with alcoholism should seek help through alcohol treatment centers, and speak with qualified drug and alcohol counselors. Cannabis may, however, be a helpful adjunct alongside other therapies.

What happens when you mix alcohol and weed?

Mixing alcohol and weed can have unpredictable outcomes, depending on the tolerance levels of the user. Consuming cannabis with alcohol (or any other recreational drug) is not advisable.

Alcohol can increase the absorption of THC, upping its potency, which can adversely affect many people. Besides that, both can act as depressants, causing sedation, drowsiness, and impairment.

Does using cannabis reduce alcohol use overall?

Although there is some promising evidence that using medical cannabis can help reduce alcohol use on an individual level, the data is mixed for larger populations.

Some studies show an overall reduction in alcohol sales. Other studies show mixed results on a state-level basis, with a reduction in wine or spirit sales in Colorado and Oregon, and an increase in spirit sales in Washington.

The prices of cannabis and alcohol also make a difference. When the costs of both alcohol and cannabis are low, the use of both may increase. When the cost of alcohol is high and cannabis comparatively lower, we may see people substituting alcohol for cannabis.

In addition, there appear to be differences between medical cannabis users and recreational cannabis users. Medical cannabis use is associated with a reduction in alcohol use. Those without a medical cannabis recommendation do not show such a reduction in alcohol use, and those who use products with lower THC may be more inclined to reduce their alcohol intake.

The relationship between alcohol and cannabis use is complex and can vary based on factors such as price, product type, geographical location, and an individual’s intentions. However, the evidence so far shows that those who utilize cannabis medically tend to reduce alcohol intake, whereas those without a medical cannabis card don’t necessarily do so.

Resources

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