There is a great deal of debate between people who are cannabis users versus alcohol abuse and which is more detrimental to society.

According to data collected from the 2015 Canadian Tobacco Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS), a 76.9% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported drinking alcohol at least once per year. The CTADS also reported that a higher proportion of males compared to females (81.3% vs. 72.7%). In reality, these numbers are probably higher.

Cannabis users versus alcohol abuse

For the longest time, medical doctors have stated that drinking alcohol in moderation is healthy for you. This is in stark contrast to a recent study by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), based out of the University of Washington in rainy Seattle. According to the report alcohol consumption led to 2.8 million deaths in 2016. Alcohol consumption was also responsible for premature mortality and disability in the 15 to 49 age group, accounting for 20% of all deaths. Particularly affected by the overindulgence of alcohol is the male gender as previously stated.

Alcohol-related financial implications reached $14.6 billion per year back in 2002 according to the CCSA

• $7.1 billion in lost productivity
• $3.3 billion for direct health care costs
• $3.1 billion for direct enforcement costs

Negative effects of alcohol and the cost

Google Image

There are many short and long-term effects of alcohol on the human body.

1. blackouts – short-term memory
2. dependence – alcohol dependence varies from person to person. Physical dependency is a hazard
3. slurred speech – the first sign of alcohol impairment
4. cancer – alcoholics are more likely to develop cancer of the throat, mouth or esophagus and breast cancer for women
5. lowered immune system – decreased the ability to fight off bacteria and viruses
6. pancreatitis – excessive alcohol consumption is a major factor of chronic pancreatitis
7. diarrhea – frequent urination and intestinal wall damage
8. birth defects – pregnant women are at an increased rate of giving birth to fetal alcohol syndrome
9. brittle bones – increased risk of osteoporosis
10. sexual dysfunction – men have an increased risk of erectile dysfunction

The last one is reason enough to not overindulge in alcohol.

Medical benefits of cannabis

Cannabis has numerous health benefits that only now the medical community is openly embracing.

1. Chronic Pain relief – Cannabis can treat a wide range of issues ranging from chronic headaches to Chemotherapy. If you don’t want the high you can take CBD oil.
2. PTSD – It can help treat PTSD in war veterans.
3. Alzheimers -Cannabis and CBD oil has been shown to slow the progression of this disease.
4. Appetite – Cannabis is well known for enhancing and regulating your eating habits.
5. Inflammatory bowel disease – Studies show that CBD oil is effective in treating colitis and Crohn’s disease.
6. Sleep aid – Cannabis is a natural sleeping aid for people who can’t sleep without adverse side effects.
7. Glaucoma – Cannabis oil has been shown to reduce glaucoma and macular degeneration.
8. Erectile dysfunction – There are ongoing studies related to the positive effects of cannabis on male sexual health. This, of course, depends on the strain and the amount of cannabis inhaled or ingested.

Conclusion

Ranking cannabis users versus alcohol abuse data put marijuana users in the lead when it comes to safety and its positive effects on the human body.

Try the latest strain from Quick Greens Death Bubba AAAA+ coming next week just in time for the holidays. Bred by Matteo Suleyman, it delivers a pungent pairing of grass and skunk while the smoke is sweet and earthy, a compliment to the palate. This strain is great for treating minor physical discomfort.