When weighing edibles vs alcohol, the distinction in health effects and societal opinions can be striking. In this article, we contrast the immediate sensations, delve into the potential long-term health risks, and explore how legal and social factors shape their use. Without advocating for one or the other, we aim to provide you with critical insights for an informed choice on these popular indulgences.
Key Takeaways
Edibles, which are cannabis-infused food products, have a longer onset and duration of effects than alcohol due to metabolic differences, with edibles being processed by the liver and alcohol absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Regular and heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to significant health risks including cancer, liver and kidney disease, alcohol dependence, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased risk of mental health issues.
Social perception and legality of edibles versus alcohol vary, with alcohol being more socially accepted despite its higher addiction potential and health risks. Responsible consumption of both substances is necessary, starting with lower doses and understanding one’s tolerance levels.
Understanding Edibles and Alcohol
Both edibles and alcohol can induce altered states of consciousness, but their effects on the body vary greatly. Food products infused with cannabis, known as edibles, have a longer-lasting impact compared to the swift, immediate effects of alcohol, a psychoactive substance found in beverages.
The metabolism process of these substances varies as well. Edibles are initially ingested, metabolized by the liver, and then enter the bloodstream. In contrast, alcohol is absorbed straight into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are a diverse category of products infused with cannabis. These can range from sweet treats like gummies, brownies, and muffins, to more savory items like butter and oils, showcasing the versatility and wide range of options available. The common thread among all these products is the inclusion of cannabis, which when ingested, can produce a variety of effects including relaxation, euphoria, altered sensory perception, and an increased appetite.
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, is an organic compound produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts. It’s present in various beverages like beer, which typically contains 4-6% alcohol, wine with around 9-16% alcohol, and spirits that usually contain around 35-40% alcohol or higher. The production of these alcoholic beverages involves either fermentation of starch/sugars (for beer and wine) or an additional distillation process (for spirits) to increase alcohol content.
Alcohol has played varied roles in societies across the world, with different cultures developing unique beverages and customs surrounding their consumption.
Comparing Short-Term Effects
Edibles and alcohol produce significantly different short-term effects. Typically, edibles result in:
relaxation
euphoria
enhanced sensory perception
laughter
altered time perception
increased appetite
In contrast, when comparing alcohol consumption to other substances, it can lead to:
impaired judgment
impaired coordination
impaired reaction times
accidents and risky behaviors
immediate effects like slurred speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, and vomiting
Alcohol’s effects are common after consumption.
Onset and Duration
The onset and duration of effects differ between alcohol and edibles. Here are some key differences:
Alcohol effects can be experienced within 15 to 45 minutes
The impact from edibles typically starts after 30 minutes to 1 hour
The onset time of edibles can be influenced by the product’s active ingredients and the individual’s metabolism
Chewable edibles such as gummies and brownies are absorbed through the digestive system, which contributes to a longer onset time compared to alcohol. Furthermore, the effects of edibles can last from one to eight hours, significantly longer than the effects of alcohol.
Physical and Psychological Effects
Both alcohol and edibles induce distinct physical and psychological effects, leading to an altered perception.
Consuming alcohol:
Disrupts the brain’s communication pathways
Alters mood, judgment, and coordination
Decreases sleep quality, with more than two servings potentially leading to a sleep quality reduction by 39.2%
Contrarily, edibles usually induce relaxation and euphoria, but can result in anxiety, panic attacks, and distorted senses when consumed in large quantities. Just like alcohol, THC in edibles can temporarily slow brain functions including memory, attention, and reaction times, and may cause anxiety.
Analyzing Long-Term Health Effects of Alcohol
Frequent alcohol consumption, which can lead to excessive drinking and heavy drinking, results in several health risks including cancer, owing to its carcinogenic properties, alcohol dependence, use disorders, and heart issues, all of which can be consequences of alcohol abuse. A person’s family history may also play a role in their susceptibility to these risks.
In addition to these risks, excessive alcohol intake can lead to an increased risk of exacerbating or contributing to the development of kidney disease.
Impact on Liver and Kidneys
The impact of alcohol on vital organs like the liver and kidneys is significant. Alcohol impairs the kidney’s ability to filter blood and maintain the body’s water balance. Furthermore, heavy alcohol use can double the risk of kidney disease.
Binge drinking can also lead to acute kidney injury, which may require dialysis and can sometimes cause permanent kidney damage.
Additionally, liver disease caused by heavy alcohol use can put extra strain on the kidneys.
Mental Health and Addiction
The mental health implications and addiction potential of alcohol are serious concerns. Alcohol is considered to be more addictive than cannabis, indicating a higher risk of developing an addiction when consuming alcohol over edibles.
It is essential not to overlook the possibility of cannabis addiction, which can also have detrimental effects on one’s mental health.
The negative consequences on mental health, including disrupted sleep patterns, are also much more severe with alcohol than with marijuana.
Legal and Social Considerations
From a legal and social perspective, despite marijuana use being deemed less harmful than alcohol, it frequently faces more negative public perception. The use of substances for celebratory purposes or to enhance fun experiences is overwhelmingly linked to alcohol, as per a survey of 1,004 respondents aged 18 to 80.
Public Perception and Stigma
The social stigma associated with marijuana is often perceived as more severe than the stigma associated with drinking alcohol. This disparity can create challenges for those who use marijuana.
Interestingly, respondents in the aforementioned survey were more concerned about the dangers and addictive properties of alcohol than those of marijuana. However, it’s important to note that when alcohol and marijuana are used together, the risk for negative consequences such as drunk driving, social consequences, and self-harm is significantly increased.
Generally speaking, research shows that this negative attitude towards marijuana often stems from decades-long government propaganda campaigns, such as those led by a national institutes, which have left a lasting impression, despite a lack of factual evidence to support these beliefs.
Responsible Cannabis Consumption
Like any substance, it’s vital to consume responsibly to minimize potential harm. This involves recognizing your limits, beginning with low doses, and understanding the context of substance use.
For edibles, users should be aware of the THC content and start with a low dose, especially if they are inexperienced or have a lower tolerance to cannabis. Moreover, consuming edibles or alcohol in a safe environment and having a trusted person nearby can reduce risks.
Dosage and Frequency
When it comes to dosage, a common recommended starting dose for edibles is 5 milligrams of THC. Edibles can be dosed at:
Low levels (1-5 mg) of THC for a mild experience
Moderate levels (10-15 mg) of THC for a balanced experience
High levels (20-30 mg) of THC for a strong experience
The effect of edibles can also be influenced by the balance of CBD to THC, with higher CBD ratios reducing the intensity of intoxication. Adding CBD to edibles is a great way to mellow out the effects that can sometimes be too intense for some when consuming THC by itself.
Summary
In summary, while both edibles and alcohol can alter states of consciousness, they differ significantly in their effects on the body, onset and duration, as well as their social and legal considerations. It’s crucial to consume these substances responsibly, taking into account factors such as dosage, frequency, and one’s tolerance. The choice between edibles and alcohol ultimately lies within the user’s preference, and it’s important to be well-informed about the potential risks and effects of each.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the short-term effects of edibles and alcohol?
Edibles can cause relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception of time, while alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to accidents and risky behaviors. It's important to be aware of these short-term effects.
How long does it take for the effects of edibles and alcohol to kick in?
Alcohol effects kick in within 15 to 45 minutes, while edibles take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to take effect. It's important to be aware of these timelines when consuming them.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol consumption?
Regular alcohol consumption poses several health risks, including cancer, alcohol dependence, heart problems, and kidney disease. It's important to be mindful of the long-term effects of alcohol on your health.
Is marijuana more socially accepted than alcohol?
No, despite marijuana being considered less dangerous than alcohol, it often has a worse public perception, and the use of substances for celebratory purposes or to enhance fun experiences is overwhelmingly linked to alcohol.
How can I consume cannabis responsibly?
To consume cannabis responsibly, it's important to know your limits, start with low doses, and understand the context in which you are using it. When consuming edibles, be aware of the THC content and start with a low dose, especially if you are inexperienced or have a lower tolerance.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
References:
alcohol vs edibles
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