In today’s world, getting buzzed has become big business. A 2023 report sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that adults aged 35–50 are consuming alcohol or cannabis in record numbers. But it’s not just a cocktail or a joint—edible cannabis products, like gummies and brownies, have soared in popularity, with the North American market surpassing $3 billion by 2022, according to Global Market Insights.
Both substances come with their share of health risks. But which one is more harmful: alcohol or edibles? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Alcohol and Your Body
No one needs a reminder that alcohol affects your brain. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, alcohol interferes with brain communication, impacting mood, judgment, and coordination. The result? A light buzz or full-blown tipsiness. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that too much alcohol can lead to dangerous consequences like impaired judgment, accidents, and falls.
The long-term risks are even more alarming. Heavy drinking is linked to more than 140,000 deaths annually. Even moderate drinking can increase cancer risk, with the National Cancer Institute noting that alcohol contributes to 5.6% of all cancers and 4% of cancer deaths. It also wreaks havoc on the liver, heart, pancreas, lungs, and immune system by flooding your body with toxins.
Edibles and Your Body
Edibles, like cannabis-infused gummies and brownies, owe their buzz to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When consumed, edibles can produce effects ranging from relaxation and euphoria to giddiness, says Janice Newell Bissex, M.S., R.D.N., a holistic cannabis specialist at Jannabis Wellness. However, overindulgence can lead to paranoia, dizziness, and anxiety.
Alcohol vs. Edibles: Short- and Long-Term Effects
Short-Term Effects
Alcohol’s effects kick in within 15–45 minutes, depending on whether you’ve eaten recently. Edibles, however, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start working, says Newell Bissex. This delayed onset often leads people to overconsume, mistakenly thinking the initial dose wasn’t enough. What’s more, edibles stay in your system much longer—up to 12 hours, compared to alcohol, which is typically metabolized in 4–8 hours.
Long-Term Effects
When comparing the long-term effects, it’s like apples and oranges. Alcohol has been studied for decades, and we know its risks. Edibles, however, are relatively new in the commercial market, and research into their long-term effects is limited. Ellicott Matthay, Ph.D., of NYU Grossman Medical School, explains that regulatory barriers have slowed cannabis research, leaving gaps in our understanding.
One area where cannabis may have an edge is addiction. Grinspoon points out that alcohol addiction is far more dangerous and life-threatening than cannabis use disorder. Cannabis has even shown promise for managing conditions like chronic pain, spasticity from multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-related nausea, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Alcohol vs. Edibles: Which Is Safer?
When weighing the risks and benefits, the evidence leans toward cannabis being the safer option. Unlike alcohol, which poses significant addiction and long-term health risks, cannabis overdoses are extremely rare. As Grinspoon says, “Cannabis is generally safer than alcohol.” That said, it’s crucial to use cannabis products responsibly, keep them out of reach of children, and be mindful of the potential for cannabis use disorder.
At Utoya Organics, we’re committed to providing premium cannabis products designed to enhance your well-being. Whether you’re exploring edibles for the first time or looking for trusted alternatives to alcohol, we’re here to help. For more information, visit our website or call us directly at 813-697-4747. Let Utoya Organics guide you to a safer and more enjoyable buzz.
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