Alcohol vs. Marijuana
Is one safer than the other?

Not really. They both can result in dependency that requires professional treatment. We do know that alcohol contributes to liver disease, but some studies also suggest that a small amount of alcohol (i.e., one glass of red wine a day) can benefit your heart. Experts believe that marijuana smoking can result in oral cancers and short-term thinking problems. Though smoking anything is never good for your lungs, we know that it can reduce nausea for people with medical conditions like cancer.

Even occasional users of alcohol and marijuana may experience negative consequences – such as the risks that come with lowered inhibitions, short-term memory problems, and coordination difficulties. And both alcohol and marijuana are thought to contribute to (or intensify) mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

One major difference worth noting, besides legality, is that it is possible to overdose on alcohol, which can be fatal. And withdrawal from alcohol is more serious medically (can kill you) than withdrawal from marijuana. Plus, because marijuana is an anti-emetic (inhibits vomiting), if taken in combination with alcohol, it can prevent the body’s natural tendency to purge a toxin from the stomach.

Marijuana and Sex

Have you and your partner ever considered the effects of marijuana on your relationship? Has it become a third player in your sex life, or even a crutch?

For some people, sex is an anxiety-producing proposition, so they use pot to relax. Others use weed to heighten sensitivity. The fact is that heavy, long-term marijuana use can either cause or contribute to low motivation and sex drive. Long-term use of marijuana can also affect sexual health. Marijuana has an effect on the production of testosterone and other hormones, which in turn can cause decreased sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and problems with menstruation.