But the study fits in with a body of work that has found mixed results regarding marijuana and the brain. Some animal research, for example, hints that at least some cannabinoids, the compounds in cannabis, may be protective for the neural system, Hutchison said. Studies in humans, on the other hand, have returned varied results, and many have been too small-scale to draw firm conclusions. With marijuana legalization on the rise, an increasing number of studies are exploring the drug’s potential harms and benefits.
Many cannabis-infused drinks list THC as an ingredient, and while there is no standard dose, 5 milligrams (mg) is typically used in research studies of the drug. Some “low-dose” beverages contain 2 to 4 mg of THC in an 8-ounce container. The drinks may also contain caffeine, alcohol, or other substances. Although drug policy experts generally don’t dispute the assertion that alcohol is more dangerous than pot, the study, led by British researcher David Nutt, is quite controversial. Experts see the rankings as deeply flawed, largely because they present the harms that come from drugs in a rather crude, one-dimensional manner. One of the main negative issues of weed vs. alcohol is all of the issues with smoking marijuana.
Cardiovascular risks soar among daily cannabis users
American Addiction Centers offers a host of treatment options, from detox and inpatient rehab to intensive outpatient care and family interventions, that are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. As of March 2024, 17 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. Additionally, recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 states plus Washington DC.
What happens if you drink alcohol before using weed?
There are no similar studies that look at women’s sexual satisfaction under the influence of pot. Yet some studies on whether alcohol or marijuana really cause weight gain have been contradictory. “On the other hand, the number of crimes that are committed that have some sort of alcohol component related to them are massive — hundreds of thousands a year, if not more,” he said.
If you use Cymbalta for depression, be aware it may worsen your depression symptoms. If you deal with increased depression when you take it, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away. Cymbalta, also known as duloxetine, is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
- White matter is the deeper brain tissue that contains myelinated nerve fibers, which are branches protruding from nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses to other cells and tissues.
- Alcohol’s effects on behavior can also lead to more crime, while marijuana use appears to have little-to-no effect.
- If a person chooses to buy weed or hemp online or at a smoke shop, be sure to choose a product with a label that shows they have paid an independent outside company to assure the purity of their products, he said.
- Studies in humans, on the other hand, have returned varied results, and many have been too small-scale to draw firm conclusions.
Higher risk of dependence
Smoking marijuana while taking duloxetine (Cymbalta) is not recommended without consulting your doctor. The combination may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, confusion, and impaired motor skills. It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely if you decide to use both. Both weed and alcohol, together and on their own, are also potentially addictive and can lead to dependence and misuse. The researchers reported that combining THC and alcohol consistently impaired driving performance, with worse performance during nighttime simulations. For example, you might feel like you’re good to drive, but your blood alcohol level may be well over the legal limit.
Health Challenges
There’s a delay in when you feel edibles because it can take time for the THC to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Edibles need to be digested and it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to understand how you feel. While there are negative benefits, cannabis does have many medicinal benefits including treatment of pain, nausea, issues with eating or keeping down food, and can help treat anxiety and depression. In general, marijuana is considered less harmful than alcohol but alcohol can be considered more socially acceptable.
Here at Vox, we’re unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you — threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country. Alcohol can cause cognitive impairment which can lead to poor judgment, decreased coordination, and memory loss and in some cases strongest vodka proof blackouts. With proper tolerance breaks, you can lower your tolerance of THC and become less reliant on large amounts of cannabis to feel the same way and regulate your cannabis use. People’s responses to each substance can vary greatly, so what seems safer for one person might not work for someone else.