Cannabis is a hot topic on Capital Hill and online – but what are the facts? Data confirms a key issue about the plant.

The medical community has come out and said cannabis has medical benefits. Despite this, some older congress members are concerned about the harmful effects of the plant. But data confirms cannabis is safer than alcohol.  The overall burden of disease and injury from alcohol far exceeds those of marijuana. For example Australia, alcohol accounted for 3.2% of the disease and injury, while marijuana accounted for only 0.2%.  The effects are clear and 88% of the public believe it should be legal in some form.

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The debate over the safety of marijuana versus alcohol has been ongoing for years, with evidence demonstrating marijuana poses significantly fewer health and safety risks than alcohol.  Data supports the marijuana is safer as an alternative to alcohol by examining health impacts, addiction rates, and societal effects. Already Gen Z sees it has a better lifestyle choice by choice to be California sober.

Alcohol use is strongly linked to violent crimes, with estimates suggesting that 25-30% of violent crimes in the U.S. are alcohol-related. In contrast, marijuana use is not commonly associated with violence or crime

Mortality Rates: Alcohol use is associated with tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States, primarily due to chronic alcohol use and alcohol-related accidents. In contrast, there have been no documented cases of fatal marijuana overdoses.Health-Related Costs: The health-related costs for alcohol consumers are substantially higher than those for marijuana users. A study found that the annual cost per alcohol user is approximately $165, compared to just $20 per marijuana user.Neurological Effects: Alcohol consumption is known to cause permanent brain damage, whereas marijuana has been found to have neuroprotective properties.This suggests marijuana may not only be less harmful but can be beneficial in certain neurological contexts.Addiction Potential: Marijuana is less addictive than alcohol. While some individuals may develop dependence on marijuana, it is less severe and less common than alcohol dependence. Alcohol use can lead to severe physical withdrawal symptoms, which are not observed with marijuana.Dependence and Tolerance: Alcohol users are more likely to develop tolerance and dependence compared to marijuana users. This indicates that alcohol poses a greater risk of long-term addiction issues.RELATED: The Best Cocktails To Feel Warm And Sunny In addition, alcohol increases risk-taking behavior, contributing to accidents and injuries, whereas marijuana does not seem to increase such behavior. This difference is crucial in understanding the societal impact of these substances.

Data overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that marijuana is safer than alcohol in terms of health risks, addiction potential, and societal impact. As marijuana use becomes more prevalent, understanding these differences is crucial for informed policy-making and public health strategies.

While both substances carry risks, the evidence suggests that marijuana poses fewer dangers to both individuals and communities compared to alcohol. This understanding can help guide more rational and evidence-based approaches to substance regulation and public health initiatives.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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