Marijuana Vs Alcohol: Which One Is More Harmful And Why?
There have always been divided sometimes contrasting
opinions on the long-standing debate of making a choice between alcohol and
marijuana. While the consumption is legalised in some parts of the world,
marijuana is the most widespread illegal drug having over 125 million users.
In recent years, governments are taking steps to re-evaluate
outdated marijuana laws and as a result of this cannabis is being legalised in
many countries. In India, the drug has been associated with mysticism, faith
and is entangled with religion. However, narcotic laws in 1986 made the sale
consumption and transportation of marijuana illegal in India.
29 years since the ban on weed, the country is now at the
heart of the Great Legalisation Movement, calling the government to legalise
the use of medical marijuana in India. The first GLM meet was held in April
this year in Bangalore. As the cannabis supporters pressurise for the
fulfilment of their demands, here’s a re-evaluation of the pros and cons of
both weed and alcohol, and the many misconceptions we have about their use:
Source: Hightimes
Which of them is more addictive?
No instance of overdose has ever been reported due to the
consumption of marijuana. Though users have complained of lethargy and
constipation in some cases, it is in fact one of the least toxic drugs.
In stark contrast, death due to excessive drinking is quite
common. If one consumes 10 times his regular amount of alcohol, he/she risks
dying. The Centre of Disease Control and prevention (CDC) statistics show that
the number of alcohol-related deaths in the USA is above a 100 every day. The statistics
say that 37,000 people die in the US alone every year due to excessive use of
alcohol.
What’s better is that while we all know the urge for another
drink, addiction due to cannabis is rare.
Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information
Does marijuana kill your brain cells?
Despite the myth that marijuana causes brain cells to die,
it turns out that in reality, it is quite the opposite. Studies indicate that
neuro-protective properties are found in weed. A recent study by the Journal of
Neurology and Teratology reveals that teenagers using cannabis are able to
protect binges of alcohol damage on their systems. Such teenagers show signs of
less white blood cell damage as compared to the ones who only drink.
Source: Autism Daily Newscast
Alcoholics tend to show more signs of depression
Consumers of alcohol are prone to becoming victims of
clinical depression. Ailments like psychosis (imagining voices) and dementia
(memory loss) are increasingly seen among avid drinkers. An article published
by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on the effects of alcohol states that
self-harm and suicide are comparatively more common among alcoholics and
regular drinkers. They tend to show more signs of depression which is hardly
ever.
Source: The Science Times
Medical properties: Marijuana stops cancer to spread, while
alcohol is said to increase libido
Craving for one more glass of whiskey never stops at just
one. But moderate drinking can have some benefits. An occasional glass of wine
or a pint of beer can help in reducing cardio-vascular diseases lengthen life
and even increase libido. The problem is that the line of moderation is always
overstepped. Marijuana, on the other hand, is known for its medical use. It
stops the spread of cancer, increases metabolism, reduces anxiety and slows
Alzheimer’s disease. Some say it even helps in increasing creativity.
Source: thomhartmann.com
Other side effects
Last but not the least, marijuana has no hangovers and hours
of feeling sick the next morning. A side effect of alcohol is drunken driving.
Bar brawls and violent outbursts are not isolated events with heavy consumers
of alcohol. On the other hand, how many times have we seen a stoner quarrel?
Source: cannabis.wikia.com I cannabis.wikia.com
So, should weed be banned?
The deleterious effects of alcohol cannot be denied. In
comparison, the taboo on weed seems to be quite surprising. If health is the
primary concern, the choice between the two drugs is clear. However, alcohol is
an ingrained part of many societies in the west while the consumption of
marijuana is still illegal. Why should the stoner be called a drug addict and
alcohol, being the more adverse of the two, be cherished and enjoyed publicly?
With the GLM in the forefront, maybe it's time to
re-evaluate our recreational usage of alcohol and marijuana. What do you think?
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