Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Which Is Worse for Your Health?

Alcohol and marijuana are two of the most widely used substances, but they are often debated in terms of which is more harmful. While many people look for a simple answer, the reality is complex. Both substances carry risks, and declaring one as definitively "worse" may not be the most helpful approach. To help you form your own conclusion, we’ll compare the health effects, misuse potential, and social impacts of alcohol and marijuana.

Understanding the Health Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects brain and body communication. It can cause both immediate and long-term harm due to its toxic properties.

Short-Term Effects

Drinking alcohol leads to intoxication, with effects varying by person and amount consumed. Common symptoms include:

• Loss of coordination
• Poor judgment
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Lowered inhibitions
• Behavioral changes
• Blurry vision
• Nausea or vomiting

Hangovers—experienced hours or days after drinking—are also a common short-term effect.

Long-Term Effects

Regular or heavy alcohol use can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Heart disease
• Digestive issues and ulcers
• Nerve damage
• Infertility
• Mental health disorders
• Increased cancer risk

Long-term health effects are a leading cause of alcohol-related deaths.

Understanding the Health Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana, or cannabis, contains active compounds like THC and CBD. These can produce mind-altering effects and impact the body in both the short and long term.

Short-Term Effects

The "high" from marijuana varies widely between individuals. Common effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Altered time perception
• Poor coordination
• Impaired judgment
• Relaxation
• Increased appetite
• Drowsiness
• Pain relief
• Dry or red eyes

Some users also experience hangover-like symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, and fatigue.

Long-Term Effects

Research on marijuana’s long-term effects is still developing. Known risks include:

• Altered brain development in young users
• Increased risk of schizophrenia and psychosis
• Lung damage from smoking

Comparing Health Effects: Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Both substances impair cognitive and motor functions. While alcohol appears to be linked to more long-term health risks, this may partly reflect the greater amount of research available on alcohol. More studies are needed to fully understand marijuana’s long-term impact.

Comparing Misuse Potential

Both alcohol and marijuana can lead to dependence and substance use disorders. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:

• 10.5% of people aged 12 and older had alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• 6.7% had cannabis use disorder (CUD)

Young adults aged 18–25 showed the highest rates of both disorders.

Social and Economic Impacts

Alcohol is socially accepted and widely used, but it carries significant social costs. Excessive drinking cost the U.S. about $249 billion in 2010 due to healthcare, lost productivity, accidents, and legal expenses. It also harms the environment.

Marijuana use is also common and gaining legal acceptance in many areas. Legalization has brought economic benefits like tax revenue and jobs, but some studies link marijuana use to increased violence and public safety risks.

Statistics on Harm

• 48.7% of people aged 12+ reported past-month alcohol use (2022 NSDUH)
• 15% reported past-month marijuana use (2022 NSDUH)
• Alcohol-impaired driving causes about 31% of U.S. traffic fatalities
• Marijuana legalization has been associated with increased injury crash rates
• Alcohol contributes to over 178,000 U.S. deaths annually
• Marijuana-related ER visits are also reported, though less frequently

Which Is Worse: Alcohol or Marijuana?

Several factors complicate the comparison:

• More research exists on alcohol
• Marijuana is used in various forms (smoking, edibles, topicals)
• Individual biology affects how each substance impacts a person

While current data suggests alcohol may be more harmful, both substances pose health risks.

Preventing Substance Misuse

Improving your relationship with substances is important for everyone. Helpful strategies include:

• Seeking support from friends, family, or groups
• Cutting back or quitting
• Exploring treatment options that fit your needs
• Practicing mindful consumption before problems arise

Apps like Quitemate can help track usage and support healthier habits.

Final Thoughts

There’s no clear winner in the alcohol vs. marijuana debate. Current evidence points to greater risks from alcohol, but both can harm your health. Rather than focusing on which is worse, it’s more useful to limit or avoid both to protect your well-being.