Evident Research Suggests Marijuana Poses Less Risk Than Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Here's a more conversational take on the topic, with some enrichment data sprinkled in to liven up the information:
Ditching the Stigma: The Lesser-Known Deadliest Drugs
Chances are if you've heard a list of deadliest recreational drugs, it probably looked something like this: heroin, cocaine, and maybe methamphetamine. But there's a sneaky substance that's been lurking in the shadows, claiming more lives annually than all three combined: alcohol.
Conducted by food chemist and toxicologist Dirk W. Lachenmeier and his team, a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports shook the world with one surprising finding - marijuana is the safest of the bunch.
While alcohol may be legal and socially accepted, it's a deadly double-edged sword. Alcoholism and alcohol-related illnesses lead to around 3 million deaths globally each year—that's a whopping 30 times more than heroin-related deaths (about 100,000 per year).
But here's where things get interesting: the researchers used something called the "margin of exposure" (MOE) to determine the relative dangers of these substances. Essentially, the MOE is a ratio measuring the gap between a typical dose and a lethal dose, with a higher ratio meaning the substance is safer.
By this metric, marijuana clocks in at a staggering 114 times less deadly than alcohol. To put it another way, you'd need to consume 114 times more marijuana than is usually consumed to reach a lethal dose—for alcohol, that number is much, much lower.
Alcohol vs. Heroin: The Great Deception
At first glance, it seems ludicrous to suggest that a single glass of wine is deadlier than a hit of heroin. But it's important to distinguish between direct toxicity and external risks. The study focuses solely on direct toxicity and the likelihood of overdose—it doesn't account for factors like dirty needles, addiction, or reckless behavior.
So while heroin is undeniably more toxic in isolated situations, alcohol is far more deadly on a population scale simply because it's so readily available, accepted, and ingested in high quantities.
The Puzzling Illegal Status of Marijuana
With alcohol and tobacco being more dangerous than marijuana, it's baffling that cannabis remains illegal in many parts of the world. The study's findings call into question long-standing drug policies that criminalize marijuana while turning a blind eye to the extensive harm caused by legal substances.
It's widely known that "gateway drugs," demonized ideologies, and countless misinformation campaigns have perpetuated the stigmatization of marijuana. However, research shows that marijuana overdoses are virtually non-existent, and there is little scientific evidence supporting the claim that marijuana is as dangerous as alcohol.
The Hidden Risks of Marijuana
While marijuana is generally safe, it's important to remember that there are still potential drawbacks:
- Heavy marijuana use may contribute to anxiety, depression, and psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
- Impaired driving under the influence of cannabis poses risks, though it is less impairing than alcohol.
- Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs, but switching to vaping or edibles dramatically reduces this risk.
In short, moderation and responsible use are crucial.
Redefining the Rules: A Call for Change
Given the data, it's time for a massive overhaul in drug policies. Governments should prioritize reducing alcohol and tobacco-related harm and reconsider strict cannabis regulations based on its low toxicity and growing medical potential. The public's perception of drug risks should be shaped by science, not outdated stereotypes.
So the next time you question why marijuana is still illegal in many places, remember this: it's because the rules weren't entirely based on facts—they were driven by fear, politics, and propaganda. It's time to save lives by looking at the science, the risks, and the bigger picture.
Sources:
- The Washington Post
- The Verge
- Scientific Reports
- The study published in Scientific Reports reveals that marijuana is successively safer than alcohol, with the margin of exposure indicating it is 114 times less deadly.
- The health-and-wellness realm offers various therapies-and-treatments that focus on reducing alcohol-related harm, while the legal status of marijuana remains controversial despite its lower toxicity compared to alcohol.
