Key Takeaways:
- While both weed and alcohol affect the body differently, weed is less addictive and has more benefits.
- Weed is safer than alcohol, with no risk of overdose and long-term health problems.
- Weed smoking carries fewer social risks compared to alcohol.
Effects
The effects of marijuana and alcohol can vary significantly, with both having short-term and long-term risks. Weed helps you chill and laugh, while alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting.
Short-term effects of alcohol include headaches and nausea, while weed gives you dry mouth and munchies.
Long-term drinking can cause serious problems like liver damage and addiction. Smoking weed, on the other hand, has fewer long-term effects.
Alcohol can lead to heart disease, pancreatitis, and nerve damage, while weed might affect brain development and increase the risk of mental health issues like schizophrenia.
Overall, the health risks of heavy drinking are more severe than those from long-term weed smoking.
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of weed and alcohol vary from person to person.
Some people mention that getting drunk or high feels similar, while others have different experiences. Naturally, the way you feel depends on how much you drink or smoke.
Weed
The short-term effects of weed can differ from one person to another. Some of them include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Pain relief
- Dry mouth
- Dry, red eyes
- Increased appetite
For more details, check out our blog about the best weed for focus.
Alcohol
The feeling of being drunk varies for each person. While one might feel relaxed, another might feel restless. The short-term effects include:
- Coordination and reflex issues
- Relaxation
- Giddiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Shorter attention
And, of course, there’s the hangover the next day. If you do get hungover, you might experience effects like headaches and diarrhea.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term use of weed is viewed as less harmful compared to alcohol, which can lead to severe risks like addiction and liver disease.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol heavily over an extended period of time can lead to many long-term effects, such as:
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Heart damage
- Digestive problems
- Nervous system damage
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
Weed
So far, the long-term effects of smoking weed are:
- Brain development issues
- Schizophrenia
It’s important to note that there are not many long-term studies on the effects of weed. Read more in our blog on the best weed for migraines.
What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Weed?
Mixing alcohol with weed is a common thing among people who want a more intense high. However, this mix can lead to unwanted and dangerous effects.
It’s important to know what happens when you mix these two to avoid any potential risks.
What Happens if You Drink Alcohol Before Using Weed?
A 2015 study published in the journal “Clinical Chemistry” found that alcohol increases the absorption of THC, resulting in higher levels of THC in the blood. This creates a much stronger high than just smoking weed alone. (ScienceDaily)
One of the main risks of drinking before smoking weed is “greening out,” which means severe nausea and vomiting. People who drink before smoking often feel dizzy and disoriented, which is very dangerous and unpleasant.
What Happens When You Smoke Weed Before Drinking?
Smoking weed before drinking alcohol can change how your body handles alcohol. THC slows alcohol absorption, making you feel less drunk, which can lead to drinking more and feeling much worse later.
Some people feel relaxed and happy with this combo, while others experience anxiety and paranoia.
A study published in “Drug and Alcohol Dependence” in 2010 found that people who smoked weed before drinking had a slower increase in blood alcohol levels compared to those who didn’t smoke weed. (ScienceDirect)
This means that smoking weed before drinking can delay the effects of alcohol, leading to drinking more and higher risks.
Conclusion
While both weed and alcohol have their benefits and risks, research suggests that weed is a better choice because it has fewer health problems compared to alcohol.
Studies show that smoking weed can help with chronic pain and anxiety without the nasty side effects of alcohol.
A Harvard study found that those who smoked weed felt better with their pain, sleep, mood, and anxiety after six months. (Pain News Network)
Another study from UC San Diego found older adults smoking weed for pain, sleep issues, and anxiety said it worked well for them (UC San Diego Health).
Stoners often feel more sociable and relaxed when they smoke weed compared to drinking alcohol. Many say weed makes them more social and chill, while alcohol can make you feel out of control or aggressive.
So, if you’re looking to manage pain and anxiety and want to feel more relaxed and social, smoking weed might be a better choice. For more tips, check out our blog on the best weed for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main differences between weed and alcohol?
Weed is less addictive, while alcohol is more addictive and can cause serious health issues.
2. Is weed safer than alcohol?
Yes, weed is safer than alcohol, with no risk of overdose and fewer long-term health problems.
3. Can weed help with chronic pain and anxiety?
Yes, studies show that weed can reduce the symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety without the side effects often associated with alcohol.
4. Does weed cause a hangover?
No, weed does not cause a hangover but can cause dry mouth and increased appetite.
5. Can alcohol cause a hangover?
Yes, alcohol can cause a hangover with symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6. Can alcohol help with sleep?
No, alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it leads to poorer sleep quality and more frequent awakenings.
7. Can weed help with sleep?
Yes, many stoners report that weed helps them fall asleep and improves sleep quality.
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