Cannabis as an Alcohol Replacement

There are many people who are turning from alcohol in favor of cannabis. In fact, according to a study conducted at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic in 2020, over 40% of drinkers made the decision to replace their favorite alcoholic beverage with marijuana. This is more noticeable in the states that legalized recreational use.

Differences and similarities between the two

While cannabis does increase the risk of lung cancer when inhaled the old-fashioned way, it can be enjoyed in many other ways – these ways are much safer. However, with alcohol, drinking poses many risks, and this is the only real way the drink is enjoyed.

Both cannabis and alcohol are mind-altering substances, and they are both considered psychoactive. The hops and cannabis plants both come from the same family, the Cannabinacae, and they share humulene and myrcene, similar terpenes. And it is not recommended that you indulge in either substance when operating heavy machinery.

Positive reasoning behind replacing alcohol with cannabis

There are many positive aspects of cannabis, but you probably already know that by now. However, in case you don’t or in case you’re wondering if it would be a suitable substitute for drinking, here are a few thoughtful insights:

• Cannabis cultivation is less expensive than making alcohol. Where homemade alcohol is sometimes dangerous, and almost always complex, growing and harvesting cannabis, where it is legal, is quick and easy to learn. Expensive brands of alcohol cost much more than a good strain of cannabis at the dispensary, and alcohol is taxable, yet medical cannabis is not.

• The health benefits of cannabis also outweigh any benefits from alcohol. In a study, the terpenes in cannabis reduced alcohol ingestion. What’s more, CBD, with its anti-inflammatory aspects, may help heal damaged livers associated with alcoholism.

• Alcohol contains more calories than cannabis, especially sugary mixed drinks. Most cannabis users are slimmer than those who drink alcohol.

• According to the Washington Post, 1 in 8 people is an alcoholic. Compared with 9% of cannabis users becoming obsessed with the plant, there’s a noticeable difference.

• And as far as overall safety goes, cannabis is difficult to overdose on, unlike alcohol. And while lung cancer is a possibility with smoking raw cannabis, the very same plant can treat cancer when ingested in safer ways, like enjoying edibles or oils.

Unfortunately, alcohol is fully legalized, while marijuana is pushing hard toward this same benefit. This makes it a bit more difficult for people in non-legalized states to try these theories for themselves. While, yes, the positive aspects might as well be facts, they are still educated theories, based on the reported experiences of the majority.

More reasons to choose cannabis over alcohol

Remember that 40% or so of people who prefer cannabis to alcohol consumption? They have reported fewer side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and much better management of symptoms. And with regulations already placed on alcohol, it still causes problems and poses health risks and dangers when consumed in high amounts.

Considering cannabis still doesn’t have set regulations, it’s already proven to be a safer option all around. Even in states like Washington and Colorado, where cannabis is legal, there is still much work to be done on regulations for safety. In the long run, cannabis may pass alcohol as a safer substance for most people.

The replacement may curve alcohol addiction

More and more people are turning to cannabis as a treatment for alcohol addiction. The reasoning behind this decision is due to the low success rate of treatment programs for alcoholics. It’s reported that up to 60% of people in rehabilitation programs return to alcohol use after completion of the program. And alcoholic recovery is tricky, as it takes medications and close monitoring to stay on top of things.

Even recovery centers are embracing the option of cannabis as a helpful replacement for the high that’s acquired when drinking. And for those who use alcohol to treat pain, a mixture of CBD and THC is substituted with fewer side effects and powerful positive results. And considering people will continue to look for avenues of feeling better, cannabis provides this with the low risk of becoming addicted.

What do you think?

Basically, it’s your decision to replace cannabis with alcohol. While I am not here to say that alcohol doesn’t have its benefits – red wine can be beneficial for the heart and alcohol does soothe pain – cannabis just seems to have a higher number of benefits with a lower risk. 

At LucidaClub, we offer educated theories and experiences that will help you make wise decisions about cannabis use. If you’re already a lover of canna-friendly products, try a delicious vape or tincture today. The objective is about finding better solutions to life’s problems and enjoying a more euphoric feeling that is safe.

“Do better, be better”

-Damo, my cannabis-loving son in Colorado