Is one less harmful than the other?
Those who smoke a joint often like to argue that alcohol is far more harmful to health than marijuana or hash. Well, both are addictive substances
We’ve long known about the dangers of alcoholism. But as more and more places around the world move to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, serious risks are becoming clear. What damage does alcohol and cannabis do to health? Is a night of heavy drinking just as bad as getting stoned for a day?
THE EFFECTS
Alcohol is a cytotoxin that quickly enters the entire body via the bloodstream. It alters the transmission of information in the brain, and larger amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning.
The hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, contains more than 60 cannabinoids, of which THC is classified as the strongest psychoactive substance. Throughout the body there are receptors with which the body’s own cannabinoids and THC combines. In general, the effects of alcohol are better researched. With cannabis there is the added difficulty that the THC content of the plants can be highly variable.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS
Both substances have a very rapid effect on the brain, typically reducing concentration levels and the ability to remember things. Alcohol is one of the most frequent causes of road accidents, but cannabis is also known to impair the ability to drive. Alcohol increases the aggressive nature in some people — almost every third act of violence occurs under the influence of alcohol. Cannabis, meanwhile, has a relaxing and calming effect, but it can also trigger feelings of paranoia and panic.
LONG-TERM DAMAGE
People who drink alcohol too often damage their health and reduce their life expectancy. More than 200 diseases are known to be promoted or directly caused by any kind of regular alcohol consumption, says Ulrich
John, a social physician at Germany’s Greifswald University Medical Centre.
These include many cancers, liver and cardiovascular diseases.
With cannabis, there are indications of a connection with diseases such as depression and testicular cancer. Several studies show that the risk of psychosis increases — especially if people start smoking it at an early age.
ADDICTION POTENTIAL
RISK FOR YOUTHS
Both alcohol and cannabis use in adolescence damage brain development. Child and youth psychiatrist Rainer Thomasius warns of brain damage even by occasional cannabis use. Even at the age of 18, the brain is not fully developed, says the head of the German Centre for Addiction Issues in Childhood and Adolescence at the UKE. There is a risk of reduced intelligence, attention and concentration.
According to a study, the risk of developing psychosis for the first time increases three to five times with daily cannabis use, depending on the THC content.
In adolescence, the risk of ending up in hospital with alcohol poisoning is greater. Those who start drinking at an early age often drink too much later on, become dependent or suffer from secondary diseases such as fatty liver at the age of 40 or 50.
“Alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people,” the WHO says. “Overall, harmful use of alcohol is responsible for 5.1 per cent of the global burden of disease.”
While consumption of alcohol and tobacco is declining among young people in many countries, smoking cannabis is becoming more popular, according to surveys.
Both alcohol and cannabis use in adolescence damage brain development — even by occasional cannabis use. Even at the age of 18, the brain is not fully developed, there is a risk of reduced intelligence, attention and concentration.