Which is worse??

[Grifter]

Reading that marijuana post again and I thought Id see peoples thoughts on what YOU think is worse, Marijuana or Alcohol.
Dont care if you drink or smoke marijuana. Just which you think is worse.
I start with my opinion. I think alcohol is much worse the marijauna is. It kills your body and impears you judgement much more than marijuana does. Thats speaking from personal experience. Wasnt me doing the drinking and smoking but good friends. My best friends dad has been drinking for years, alocoholic drinking not a drink here and there, and hes slowly dying from a liver disease now. he still lives he life normally except his life has been shortened greatly. Some other parents I know have been smoking marijuana since there 20's and they smkoe A LOT. They are now 50 and 60 and have no health problems related to the smoking. Most people dont even know they smoke. Those are cases of alcohol being used excessively and and marijuana being used the same way. And look whats happened to the people, the alcoholic is dying from his habit and the marijuana users have no problems other than those associated with there older age.

So simple put what do you think is more a health risk and/or a danger to society??



EDIT Coincedently this is my 500th posts. Guess it good have been something worse.

[Jude3085]

I personally feel that alcohol is worse because of many family members and people I seen abuse it. From my perspective and from living with a parent that had an alcoholic problem its extremely …… I don’t know the word for it. Anyways I know that when someone starts to drink alcohol they aren’t themselves and the alcohol takes over. It’s a disease that consumes the whole body. Of course this could happen to anyone who abuses it, not saying everyone does.

[Poop-Loops]

Alcohol. It's proven that it kills brain cells, and it's just gah...

While new pot reports are popping up left and right.

PL

[toothpaste100]

Alcohol, so far the only side-effects of marijuana use is that of tobacco smokers, while alcohol abusers can suffer severe liver damage and brain cell reduction (though most of my pot smoking friends aren't very intelligent anyways :rolleyes: ).

[Mordred]

Alcohol, without a doubt.

Its a socially acceptable addiction, so many have it without realizing it. Also, when you smoke a joint you usually don't punch your wife or child afterwards.

Alcohol makes some people aggressive, while pot doesn't

[47Ronin]

Alcohol- At least with weed you are lazy and dont feel like doing something stupid :D

[Qis]

Yep, you dont get aggressive when you're stoned, only risk is that you set fire to your house and cant be arsed doing anything about it.
That said. Smoking's bad for you, and those around you, no matter how you act under the influence.

Both are bad and unhealthy.
both are fun tho(in moderation) ;) ( only my oppinion, dont try either ever. both are bad and wrong.)
-Qis

[Guerilla Fists]

you're all just a bunch of rationalizing hippies is what it comes down too. JK.
I'm going to say marijuana because it makes you stupid and leaves you with an imbalance. Long time users who quit come away with depression.
That or maybe I'm just a rationalizing drunk. JK.

[aikiMac]

"Don't eat paint." Heh heh - I like that, Qis.
Both are bad, but alcohol is worse. Odd that alcohol is legal and marijuana isn't, but nobody in Congress consulted with me before that law was passed.

[Paratus]

Alcohol is worse

But I loathe both.

Side note: Don't try to argue with me that either, even in moderation, is okay. I hate them so much, you'll never convince me. Sorry, but these kind of things strike a nerve with me. I'll stop now so I don't rant

[iElix]

Alcohol it makes for a good time but is it worth it....?

I can have fun without either of them, that just the way it is...
:D

just my 2c

[Knight_Errant]

Alchohol turns out a little more expensive, if cost justified on a 'by the hit' basis. So alchohol.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

Don't like either, equally opposed to both. However I'll still drink rather than smoke since its legal. Plus there's the fact that there is no way I'm giving up mead for anyone.

[Jingersnap]

It depends on whether you'd prefer brain damage or liver cancer! ;)

[chrispy]

alcohol is worse

[Rudain]

Well I think it depends....

Alcohol is not as bad as pot but more people get pissed on alcohol then they do on pot. The fact is no one really chain smokes pot for several hours straight without a break. The same can't be said for alcohol.

Over all though i don't like either. I Don't think people need either of them to have fun and do stupid things with their buddies. Sometimes it helps break the ice for people who are too nervos t start their own convertaions and such but hey I don't need that lol. And honestly I dont think anyone else does either.

My Vote, Alcohol just beacuse its more prevelent in the world then pot is.

[MarioBro]

Well I think it depends....

Alcohol is not as bad as pot but more people get pissed on alcohol then they do on pot. The fact is no one really chain smokes pot for several hours straight without a break. The same can't be said for alcohol.

Over all though i don't like either. I Don't think people need either of them to have fun and do stupid things with their buddies. Sometimes it helps break the ice for people who are too nervos t start their own convertaions and such but hey I don't need that lol. And honestly I dont think anyone else does either.

My Vote, Alcohol just beacuse its more prevelent in the world then pot is.I agree that it depends...but really, it depends on the amounts of alcohol drunk. A glass of wine with supper I almost always have, and then sometimes I will have a mixed drink, a beer or a sambucca after dinner. In a situation where alcohol is not abused, I think alcohol is safer. Any kind of smoking can do major damage to the lungs, brain cells, etc., whereas it has been proven that a glass or two of alcohol a day can actually do good.

An alcoholic I find to be immeasurably worse than a marijuana user. They get obnoxious, stupid, belligerent and often times drive a very large weapon through city streets...where my children might be playing. If I caught someone driving drunk, I would be hard pressed to not give them a beating. A marijuana user in most cases drives a little slower and more cautiously, and at least straight, unless they are on some bad weed mixed with something. They also are more liekly to be laughing than trying to start a fight.

So, I guess the question needs to be more specific in order to give a direct answer.

[Bloke]

An alcoholic I find to be immeasurably worse than a marijuana user. They get obnoxious, stupid, belligerent and often times drive a very large weapon through city streets...where my children might be playing. If I caught someone driving drunk, I would be hard pressed to not give them a beating. A marijuana user in most cases drives a little slower and more cautiously, and at least straight, unless they are on some bad weed mixed with something. They also are more liekly to be laughing than trying to start a fight.

So, I guess the question needs to be more specific in order to give a direct answer.

Firts of all the question was about which is worse Marijuana or alcohol. You have taken a giant leap from someone who enjoys alcohol to an alcoholic - two different ends of the spectrum. I know several alcoholics and none behave as you describe (thats not to say that there arent those that do - just dont generalise). Its not just Alcoholics that drink drive - Id hazard a guess that most drunk drivers probaly arent - but I stand open to correction.

Oh and to the people who say that soft drugs dont lead to hard drugs - try saying that to my cousin who is such a vegetable after and addiction to heroine that started with Marijuana.

One last thing - Im not anti drink - in fact I love a few beers every now and then - more now than then :)

[Stan O'Kella]

Both have their inherent risks and asscociated health complications. Alcohol causing, like has been pointed out, liver disease, killing brain cells etc and the association of alcohol and violence. Weed has been linked in various research to schizophrenia and other mental health problems, and if taken with tabacco, cancer risks.

But on the flip side both have been shown to have health benefits when consumed sensibly, alcohol in realtion to various medical complaints. Weed has been used in relation to pain control in ms and seems to relieve symptoms that ordinary pain killiers do not.

At the end of the day both are harmful to health and both are beneficail on some area's of medicine. So i think that niether is all bad or all good, but i'd rather take a drug, which both are that doesnt carry the higher risk of causing psycholgical ailments. So give me a can of stella and pass the kebab!

[MarioBro]

Oh and to the people who say that soft drugs dont lead to hard drugs - try saying that to my cousin who is such a vegetable after and addiction to heroine that started with Marijuana.


I have never seen anything more hypocritical as to say I took a leap in suggestion alcoholism when alcohol was the question, then immediately after you take a leap from marijuana to heroine....LOL.

In any case, it is all relative to the level of abuse taking place. If there is no abuse (or little for those who believe them to be abusive by nature...pull that stick outa your...), then neither of them are really all that destructive. Same goes for gambling...if you can go into a casino and lose $20 then leave or win $500 and leave before giving it back, then that is great and fun...nobody hurt. If you cannot leave before sending your family into financial ruin and need to start robbing people to pay for your habit, then it is a big, big problem.

Everything is relative my friend...

[choconutjoe]

Alcohol kills people, not just the people taking it, but the people around them. Weed doesn't kill anybody, and the only people it hurts are the ones who are taking it.

[MarioBro]

Alcohol kills people, not just the people taking it, but the people around them. Weed doesn't kill anybody, and the only people it hurts are the ones who are taking it.
Spoken like a true bong user...hehe.

[Eero]

I enjoy both. I wish I would not do neither.

Pot is worse I think...

[Athleng Nordic]

Truly alchohol is the demon. It's readly available and even kids can get liquor with little problem. Dope is a tad bit more difficult to get, and getting it is a learned habit.

[MarioBro]

Truly alchohol is the demon. It's readly available and even kids can get liquor with little problem. Dope is a tad bit more difficult to get, and getting it is a learned habit.
Thats like saying that gas and spray paint are demons because there are some who actually sniff them. Alcohol is as bad as the user, same with marijuana. It still remains all relative, and I guess the viewpoints here will be relative to the individual experiences with each substance.

In my teen years I spent enough time with each of them, and all the people around me who used them, to be able to say that they can be equally destructive or equally tame. Relative...all relative.

[alex_000]

they both have bad permanent consequences to ones health ,if he's addicted to either of them

But,

both have small to none consequences if someone's not addicted and use them carefully.

I don't think one is worce than the other, so no voting for me.

[axelb]

can't really say either is a demon or fine,

in moderation there's not a problem with either,

like many have said, with excessive alcohol, it is possible to hurt those around you physically/Emotionally as well as yourself through liver/brain damage.

with pot, you're not gonna hurt anyone else (unless you're driving, like some mates used to do) chances are if you use it excessively you can't be bothered to do much, so the only harm is to yourself.
And like said before, it's not the same as nicottene as you aren't going to chain smoke it, although you do have filters from cigarrettes. So if you do it often then it's more likely to cause problems like bronchitis than cigarrettes.

and both used often will slow reactions.

[Stan O'Kella]

Alcohol kills people, not just the people taking it, but the people around them. Weed doesn't kill anybody, and the only people it hurts are the ones who are taking it.


It is linked to the death of people, directly and indirectly, cancer related to tabacco use when smoking it and also the drug dealers involved in its supply are involved in major crime and murder, some links between drug smuggling and the funding of terrorism.

Not enough research has been carried out to confirm if cannabis use is totally safe.

[Chojin]

Not sure if its true! But in the UK they reckon there have been more deaths alchohol related than Marijuana related! I think the only problem with weed is when its smoked with tobacco! Plus lets not forget! Alchohol gives you hangovers! So i'd say alcho was the demon!!!! :D

[Ikken Hisatsu]

ok heres a bit of a "life story"

last year, i drank and smoked a lot. I mean A LOT. weed is cheap here. i spent nearly every weekend comatose in an armchair or on the floor, and from my hazy view, i noticed a couple of things.

never, NEVER, did I see a stoned guy start a fight. i saw a drunk guy push someone over who landed with their neck on the curb, breaking it and paralysing them. I saw people get into cars drunk and never make it home- yet stoned people drove at about 20kmh. I scared myself and a friend half to death when i went over 50 once. i saw old white trash people whos brains were fried, not from weed but from the drink. over the course of a year i noticed a few things- drinking, is BY FAR more dangerous to yourself and everyone around you than smoking weed.

[johndoch]

In moderation alchohol is good for you, the same can't be said about smoking.

People saying that drink causes people to be violent is a nonsense as the people are probably violent anyways. The majority of people who drink dont go out for a scrap and the ones that do hide behind the drink as an excuse, (dutch courage and all that).

I know guys who smoke dope that are just as likely to start a scrap and the violence that surrounds illegal drugs is usually way more serious than people think as it is not likely to get reported to the police.

To think that the dope scene is a nicey nicey world supplied by peace loving hippies is totally niave.

To sum up, if alchohol is taken in moderation then its good for you whereas smoking isnt. And to kid on that there is no violence involved in the the illegal drugs world is wrong.

[Ikken Hisatsu]

People saying that drink causes people to be violent is a nonsense as the people are probably violent anyways. The majority of people who drink dont go out for a scrap and the ones that do hide behind the drink as an excuse, (dutch courage and all that).
yep. and the people who get in their way? the effects of alcohol are not limited to the one person who takes them. neither are the effects of weed.

however you cannot sit there with a straight face and tell me that more peoples lives are ruined by weed than by drinking.

[Stan O'Kella]

You cant compair the overall effect on the number of people that alcohol and weed have for the simple reason that the number of people that consume alcohol far and away outnumber the number of people that use weed.

There does seem to be this rose tinted view of weed as the harmless drug, that will only serve to make people less violent and confrontational. That is totally naive and on the whole sorry to say this a stupid view to have. Any chemical substance that has an effect on the brain is likely to cause some problem. It would be naieve to think that altering the chemical balance in your brain will not have an effect on its functioning, the long term effects will only be know with proper research.

Just because everyone that you know reacts all lovey dovey to the use of cannabis doesnt mean that everyone will. For exapmple all the frends that i have use alcohol, and none of them become violent when they use alcohol, so therefore by your standards Ikken i think that alcohol has no negative effects.

As i said previously there is a link between the use of weed and mental health problems, schizophrenia and related conditions.

At the end of the day, both are harmful to health and both can have benefits to health, but you cant compare their relative effects till the number of cinsumers is comparable.

[Tankx1st]

Alcohol kills brain cells
and kills ppl 40,000-50,000 ppl a year just in america(liver cancer, etc)(Nationwide Statistic)

Marijuana Kills Brain cells
but NO ONE HAS EVERY DIED FROM MARIJUANA in history(Proven by Harvard Medical Doctors) if you can prove me wrong with PROOF, PLZ!

My stance is
Haven't we learned anything from Al Capone, and his Reign Of Terror, in the Prohibition Days for Alcohol
Haven't we Learned, when you Ban Something you CREATE A BLACK MARKET!
I don't Practice it, I certainly don't Recommend it(unless you got cancer or some form Of cancer or any major dieseases), but I don't mind Ppl Smoking it for Madicinal(however you spell it) Purposes, Like Alcohol, by American Law, you can hammered HARD ASS with alcohol as much as you want, Assuming you won't hurt anybody or Take Responsiblities for it

so BAM!
Feel Free to flame me, Yell at me, gimme Religious Flaming(it's bad cause God SAID SO! blah blah your bad, your evil) or whatever, I'm not check to see if i get Feedbacks for it, cause you Forum ppl scare me to death!
you ppl have much rights as i do, in opinions, I was just sharing my 2 cents LOLz GOOD DAY! and OH if your American, Live in America or both, HAPPY THANKSGIVING BUDDY!

[Ikken Hisatsu]

I dont even smoke anymore but I can go into town right now and buy some weed. marijuana may be "illegal" but all that means is that the people who sell it get to charge more.

[Rudain]

I actually agree with Tankx to an extent...

He is right when you outlaw something like Alcohol or pot you are going to create a black market for the substance which people will attempt to make a profit off of.

This is why I believe instead of focusing so much of our resources into attacking the supply lines of illegal drugs we need to focus more of our efforts at stopping people from starting or wanting it any more. Once we have accomplished this, the demand will disappear.

How can we do this? Well if i had an easy answer I would have all ready suggested it. I don't but I believe we need to find a way.

[ZenPolice]

Alchohol is the worst. Marijuana is the worst, too.

The dangerous thing about alchohol is what it makes people do.
The dangerous thing about marijuana is what it makes people NOT do.

I recently had a conversation with a friend and associate of mine who had smoked weed her whole life. She mentioned how she had always wanted to learn how to fly a helicopter. Purely by coincidence, this was something I had actually done when I was younger. She also mentioned how much she envied my martial arts background, and how she had always wanted to do something like that. She is an adequate flute player and admires my skill with woodwinds (I'm a professional saxophonist), but she just never got around to improving herself. It seemed like all the things she had ever thought she'd like to do, I had actually done, even though I am about ten years her junior. Most were simple things, like riding in an open-cockpit biplane.

Finally, she blurted out (joking, but with a hint remorse), "My gawd, you have lived my entire life for me!" What was she doing all those years instead of living her life?

This conversation took place in the parking lot behind the nightclub where we were performing. She and the guitarist were smoking a bowl at the time.

[Ikken Hisatsu]

This is why I believe instead of focusing so much of our resources into attacking the supply lines of illegal drugs we need to focus more of our efforts at stopping people from starting or wanting it any more. Once we have accomplished this, the demand will disappear.

or how about we let people do as they will. you dont need a licesne to have a BABY, but you get slung in jail for taking a toke. its someones right to have a baby? well its someones right to put stuff in their mouths as well. I don't condone it, but it is far less harmful than a lot of legal things.

[Tankx1st]

or how about we let people do as they will. you dont need a licesne to have a BABY, but you get slung in jail for taking a toke. its someones right to have a baby? well its someones right to put stuff in their mouths as well. I don't condone it, but it is far less harmful than a lot of legal things.

AMEN!

anywho, I came back to this thread out of curiousity
ok
Alcohol is a Mind altering Drug, So is Marijuana
but we have a law for Alcohol, and that is you can get hammered as hard as you want, Assuming you don't hurt anybody

thats how it should be with Marijuana

Not All Potheads become junkies or losers

Jailing Ppl or Stopping it
won't do squat, it'll just waste GOOD tax money and human Resources....
War on Drugs is Failing miserably.......
why?
there are more ppl who do drugs (marijuana, ecstasy, etc) today than 10-50 years ago(A FACT, F-A-C-T, FACT FFFFFFFACT nationwide Statistic)

[Jason Simpson]

Both are bad, don't touch either, won't touch either, never will.

[jokerlaughsatu]

It is linked to the death of people, directly and indirectly, cancer related to tabacco use when smoking it and also the drug dealers involved in its supply are involved in major crime and murder, some links between drug smuggling and the funding of terrorism.

Not enough research has been carried out to confirm if cannabis use is totally safe.


OMG!!!! Stan O'Kella has been brainwashed by bushes advertising!!!! someone get help!!!!

the bong queada is gonna get us!

[jokerlaughsatu]

Has anyone mentioned the medical effects of marijuana? not yet i think. as i write this i am legally smoking to ease a migraine caused by encephalomyelitis. Any one who wants to tell me that weed has to many negative side effects, it clouds your judgment, and all that stuff should try vicodin. My doc has me on 3 pills aday, drugged to a point where i couldnt get out of bed. With weed i am functional and in a lot less pain.

[tundotcom]

Alcohol is a more pervasive problem in our society. Alcohol related deaths are sadly a lot more common than marijuana related deaths.

[Stan O'Kella]

OMG!!!! Stan O'Kella has been brainwashed by bushes advertising!!!! someone get help!!!!

the bong queada is gonna get us!


No mate, i wanst brainwashed by that, just informed by the research i did into marajuana side effects as part of my biochemistry degree.

[Nick K]

Difficult business this. Personal and professional view is that both are hazardous. However, while the health impact in the population is definitely adverse, the risk of serious harm for a particular individual is much less certain to predict. Cannabinoid receptors are found in brain, heart, spleen, gut and reproductive organs. Adverse effects depend on dose and chronicity of use include addiction - no doubt whatsoever about this, althought the withdrawal effects can be quite subtle - mood changes, changes in drive and motivation, anxiety, psychosis, reproductive failure and some weird hormonal and immunological changes. Not the sort of drug someone who is interested in reaction time, fine motor control and clear judgement would usually benefit from. There are some interesting developments in the field of therapeutic applications, but these are for the refined product only. When you smoke dope, there are many dozens of pharmacologically active substances that you are consuming.

[Nick_UKWC]

Alcohol. Even if it's not that much worse for you physically it can have a hell of a lot worse effects on you as a person...IMO.

[call_me_rizki]

i'd rather said both :D :Angel: :D but then i decided alcohol.
aren't both things bad for MA-ers :eek: :cry: :eek:

[Iai-do master]

smokein a LITTLE weed every BLUE moon isnt that bad just dont be a pot head

[RFWright]

Alcohol.
answering this question reminds me of the question asked in "The Last Boyscout"...."head or gut?"

Regards,
R

[Bograt]

Adverse Effects of Marijuana

Could I become chemically dependent on marijuana?

Yes. When you're chemically dependent on marijuana, it means you crave it and you need to take more and more to get the same effect. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Because marijuana is a lot stronger than it used to be, you're also more likely to abuse it and become dependent on it today than in the past.

Is marijuana use associated with other drug use?

Yes. Usually people use legal drugs like alcohol or cigarettes before they start using marijuana. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the United States. It's often the first illegal drug used and sometimes leads to the use of other illegal drugs.

What are the common side effects of marijuana use?

Some of the common side effects of marijuana are:

* Trouble remembering things
* Sleepiness
* Anxiety
* Paranoia
* Altered time perception

Using marijuana for a long time makes some people lose interest in school, work, relationships and other activities. It may cause legal problems and can be dangerous in certain situations, like driving.

How might marijuana affect me physically?

Some of the common physical effects of marijuana include:

* Tremors
* Nausea
* Headache
* Worsening coordination
* Breathing problems
* Increased appetite
* Reduced blood flow to the brain
* Changes in the reproductive organs

Like tobacco, marijuana contains many chemicals that can hurt the lungs and cause cancer. One marijuana cigarette can cause more damage to the lungs than many tobacco cigarettes, because marijuana has more tar in it and is usually smoked without filters. Unpleasant side effects from marijuana occur in about 40 to 60 percent of people who use marijuana.

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Alcohol

The term "Alcohol" has been synonymous with "spirituous" liquids for the past 300 years while the history of alcohol consumption , along with codes limiting its consumption, go back to 1700 B.C. There are basically four types of alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Propyl Alcohol and Butyl Alcohol. Ethyl Alcohol is the type used in the production of alcoholic beverages. The other three types of alcohol, Methyl, Propyl and Butyl Alcohol, if consumed can result in blindness and death - even in relatively small doses.

Alcohol, and its consumption can cause a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair judgment and coordination. In small amounts, it can induce feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, suppress anxiety, and in some, inspire feelings of confidence. However, as the dose is increased , normally beyond 6 ounces, the pleasant euphoric feelings begin to give way to feelings of depression. Intoxication occurs because the liver is unable to metabolize more than one ounce of alcohol every hour. Therefore, when a person consumes more alcohol than the body can metabolize, intoxication occurs. Intoxication can generally last anywhere from one to 12 hours.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to increased tolerance to the drug that in turn leads to greater and greater amounts required to achieve its desired effects. Once the body develops a dependence to alcohol, a sudden cessation of its intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and include severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations , and convulsions.

Alcohol can be lethal if the amount of alcohol reaches a concentration above 460 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. When the amount of alcohol in the blood is to high, death from respiratory depression can occur. Additionally, while long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver, mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome that can include irreversible physical and mental changes to the baby.

You choose. :Alien: :eek:

[Ikken Hisatsu]

go look at the road tolls for drinking related deaths and THEN choose.

[Stalkachu]

Everyone's already said it, but...yeah, Marijuana screws you up, but it's unlikely to kill you. Alcohol is bad for you, everyone around you and...well, it's just about ten times worse. Just my opinion of course, your mileage may vary.

Alcohol.

Take care,

Stalks

[Nick K]

Marijuana is also associated with deaths from road traffic accidents, and as the effects of a spliff last for a lot longer than a drink, people will drive when they think they are free of the influence.

There is a synergistic effect as well between the two, as well as antidepressants, tranquillisers, antihistamines, etc.

Dont drive while intoxicated.


BTW Ikken - your hair is scarier than your Muay Thai ;)

[Duncan!]

Fact: Weed is not directly responsible for 1 single death in the world, ever.
Fact: Alcohol is responsible for hundreds of deaths every day.

I don't take either.

[cheesypeas]

Alcohol is far worse as people are capable of drinking and driving which causes many deaths and injuries. :bang:

It is also often a factor in spouse abuse.


All things in moderation.

[RubyMoon]

Fact: Weed is not directly responsible for 1 single death in the world, ever.That is plainly not true. Weed can impair driving, among things, and certainly does cause deaths. It may not be as deadly as alchohol, but it is far from harmless.

[Ikken Hisatsu]

and while drink might kill you, weed can destroy your soul. both can destroy lives.

[Davey Bones]

And at least in the staes anyway, pot is illegal. So add jail to the list of miseries...

[Duncan!]

I decided to use the word "directly" to exclude deaths as a result of the stupidity of the user. Weed itself has not killed anyone i.e. it hasn't caused fatal illness as a result of its usage. Those foolish enough to use it with tobacco are the only ones who contract such illnesses, and this is only because of the tobacco. Alcohol, unlike cannabis, does directly cause death because it causes many of the main bodily organs to deteriorate, causing liver cancer, kidney failure etc.

[MarioBro]

I decided to use the word "directly" to exclude deaths as a result of the stupidity of the user. Weed itself has not killed anyone i.e. it hasn't caused fatal illness as a result of its usage. Those foolish enough to use it with tobacco are the only ones who contract such illnesses, and this is only because of the tobacco. Alcohol, unlike cannabis, does directly cause death because it causes many of the main bodily organs to deteriorate, causing liver cancer, kidney failure etc.

I do not think that Bob Marley smoked cigs...

Seriously..I do not feel that weed is at all a big problem. I do not recall many fights starting with those under the influence of weed, as opposed to those who drink (except maybe fighting for munchies!). Health-wise...nothing that is burning and you inhale can be great for you (common sense), but still much cleaner than smoking depending on what you wrap it in too (better to use a water pipe). I do not think it is very physically addictive as I used to smoke up at times (past lifetime) and quite with no problem at all when I decided it was time.

Now there are those who will move beyond weed and onto harder things, but they are addictive personalities who feel miserable within their own skin, and opt for the road to self-destruction. I guess weed could be considered a stepping stone for those people, but chances are they were going to self-destruct anyhow.

[Duncan!]

I think it's the intelligence of the user that determines whether they're going to go on to harder drugs. I have a few friends who smoke weed every week, and they're aware of the dangers of herion and cocaine etc. They've done their research and know that cannabis is not harmful if taken without tobacco.

They would advocate www.erowid.org

A website which looks at drugs with the help of independent research, and experiences from users. It is a pretty good guide on what's harmful and what's not.

I'm straight-edge (I don't drink, smoke or take drugs) but I like to know all the facts so I can tell when it's time to beat up my friends and tell them to stop their madness.

[JayKayD]

Thats not true, Cannabis has just as much if not more carcinogens than Tobacco, particularly because you don't put filters in joints like you do with cigarettes.

[Duncan!]

The more intelligent users will deal with this by using a water bong.

[RubyMoon]

One of my good friends has smoked weed all her life (she's close to fifty now). Since she has gotten to know me, she has been amazed at all the things I have done in my life, things I really think nothing about. One time I was recounting my experiences flying in open cockpit biplanes, when suddenly she blurted out with remorse, "You've lived my whole life for me!" I had done, and was still doing, all the things she'd ever dreamed of doing.

While I was living my life, she was getting stoned.

I love my friend, even if I don't agree with her lifestyle choices. She is just one of many people I know with similar stories. It is very, very sad.

A lot of people don't consider marijuana a drug at all. It IS a drug, however, and it most definitely IS addictive. It may not cause the powerful physical dependency of cigarettes, or other narcotics like cocaine, but you cannot ever convince me that it is not addictive when 90% of my friends smoke the stuff, and of them at least half smoke every single day. I know at least a few of them also do other drugs now, including pills, coke, and (the worst one of all) crack.

Drugs SUCK. I hate drugs! I hate what they do to my friends. Most of the time all I can do is watch as their lives crumble around them. Weed may be the most "benign" of them all (including alcohol), but in a way it is the most insidious because nobody sees the problems coming. Everything's going fine, no worries, then suddenly somebody gets arrested, or gets sick, or loses his job, or just fades away. It may not happen to everybody, but it always happens to somebody.

One of my friends is now struggling with a cocaine addiction. It has very nearly destroyed his whole life. He says he is trying to kick it, says he is getting help, but time will tell. There's just nothing anybody can do. It's all up to him, and it's really, really hard. Did I mention I hate drugs??

Don't try to tell me weed is harmless. I have watched it destroy lives. It may not do it as overtly and dramatically as alcohol or coke, but it gradually chokes the life out of you one hit at a time.

Put down the pipe and go DO something, for goodness sake, before life passes you by.

[Duncan!]

I personally don't feel the need to use drugs. The way I see it is that there's no need for me to try and alter my state of mind, I'm 100% happy with the way it already is. And even though I don't think Cannabis is physically harmful to any great extent, I'm not interested in the whole culture of it either.

Same with alcohol, I don't like the culture of going out and getting drunk and doing things you regret. What's the point? I don't need it to improve my confidence since I already feel quite confident (and I have a girlfriend who I love infinitely, so I have no desire to have one night stands and such), and aside from that it is bad for your health.

Next up, smoking. I think it's quite obvious why smoking isn't the thing for me (and yet it does seem to be the thing for lots of people). It's unhealthy and it doesn't even seem to alter your state of mind to any extent. What's the attraction?

So unless you want to be pedantic and count tea as a recreational drug, I'm "straight-edge". Oh yeah, and don't get me started on those straight-edge yobs who've made a violent cult out of not intoxicating your body. Grrr!

[RJ_Bushido]

Both are as bad as each other. I hate both. Alcohol ruined my life and the lives of many of my friends. Also has killed a few of my friends. I hate WEED too. Your right when you say the death toll on roads is def increasing. So here's to a healthy lifestyle.

[LittleGirlBlue]

Havent read many of the posts but just want to offer my opinion...

Ive heard of and seen MANY violent drunks... but never a violent pot head.

When it comes to impairing your abilities long term and short term Id have to say that alcohol is worse.

While Marijuana is illegal, it is still less likely to cause harm to your body than alcohol... it doesnt mess with your coordination...it doesnt impair your judgement the way alcohol does.... and it has less of an addictive quality to it. Most people I know that smoke can stop anytime they want. In fact..most seem to have stopped for long periods of time for some reason or another ( be it training, or taking a new job that drug tests, or just because they wanted to take a break)... but I dont know many people who are consistant drinkers that can stop.

I dunno.. I just see way more dangers in drinking than I do in smoking.

I also think smoking cigarettes is worse than smoking marijuana...when it comes to health at least... probably because people who smoke marijuana inhale nearly as much smoke as cigarette smokers do...

I see nothing wrong with smoking marijuana, as long as your not the type to let it control your life. I'd say that 80% of the people I am close to smoke (and that includes the older adults...40-60 age range)... and they are ALL successfull. They have families, they have good jobs (teachers, businessmen, busines owners, traders, lawyers, etc)...they have accomplished a lot in their lives. YES there are people that end up doing nothing ...but I doubt that is the pot... its more likely the person.

[Nick K]

Ive heard of and seen MANY violent drunks... but never a violent pot head.




Just as well you don't work on a psychiatric intensive care unit or prison healthcare unit, then. I've seen many, many young people become psychotic on cannabis and become extremely violent.

[LittleGirlBlue]

Just as well you don't work on a psychiatric intensive care unit or prison healthcare unit, then. I've seen many, many young people become psychotic on cannabis and become extremely violent.

Were there other factors? I mean... Were they kids with pre existing violent tendencies? Did they have mental stability issues?

Considering your occupation I will trust your statement of course:). I mean no disrespect and Im just speaking from personal experience. I do not surround myself with people that have violent tendencies. Most people I chose to spend time with are like me...very calm.... and anti confrontational.. so maybe because that Im not around a good sampling of the avg smoker. But I have known, and still do know... many many many people who smoke marijuana, and I've never come in contact with someone who has become violent or psychotic from it. Actually, quite the opposite.

I do not suggest that people go around smoking...or drinking for that matter!... I just think that for the majority of people that smoke, there are no ill effects. There is too much of a social stigma surrounding it...people assume that if you smoke youre a failure, a loser, someone that isnt doing anything with their life. Im just saying that this is not necessarily the case. And that if someone chooses to smoke, I have no problem with it.

[MarioBro]

Both are as bad as each other. I hate both. Alcohol ruined my life and the lives of many of my friends. Also has killed a few of my friends. I hate WEED too. Your right when you say the death toll on roads is def increasing. So here's to a healthy lifestyle.

As badly as I feel for you...saying that alcohol ruined your life is baloney. It is the choices made by the people who use alcohol irresponsibly that has caused the grief. That is like saying that when someone runs over a family member with their car, that 'cars have ruined my life'. It is simply not true.

Sure, you think that alcohol is addictive, but actually it is not. What is addictive for some people is the perceived escape they get when they drink. Same thing goes for weed. I know as I have done my share of both and a few harder things as well, until I made the choice one day to quit the drugs and drink responsibly. So, now I do not do any drugs that are not prescribed, other than coffee, etc). I have a drink once in a while when I feel like it, and sometimes I even have a few drinks...no problem. I guess I just do not feel the need to escape from anything.

[pulp fiction]

Marihuana is worst.

I was raised the German way. I drink beer or wine almost on every meal. Alcohol in cold countries helps you to stay warm, besides there are good things about alcohol. It prevents artherosclerosis and other heart diseases.

Weed also produces enphisema and lung cancer.

[MarioBro]

Marihuana is worst.

I was raised the German way. I drink beer or wine almost on every meal. Alcohol in cold countries helps you to stay warm, besides there are good things about alcohol. It prevents artherosclerosis and other heart diseases.

Weed also produces enphisema and lung cancer.

Not sure who told you that alcohol will help you stay warm, but that is nto true. If anything it will thin the blood and make you colder. The difference is likely that after a few drinks you just care less...

As far as health, I would say that a glass of red wine with a meal would be much better for you than a beer, but I could be wrong.

[pulp fiction]

You are right, red wine is better than beer, that is because red wine has different types of alcohol.

Besides the most important part of this discussion, alcohol is legal, weed is not.

[Leo_E_49]

First time I was around someone on weed (a good friend of mine), I ended up helping her home. She was a right mess. That experience put me off any thought of trying it.

[Bitsy]

I think marijuana is worse. Yes at times alchohol is just as bad but alcohol is not necessarily always bad where as marijuana is. Marijuana is ALWAYS dangerous to your body and mind but the dangers of alcohol all depend on the person: how much they consume, wether they're responsible, etc. When you smoke marijuana you will get high every time but when you drink you are not necessarily always getting drunk. Friends and family go out all the time and have a drink together and that's is all it is, a quiet drink with friends and family. But when people go out to smoke together their intentions are always the same; to get high!

[Jesh]

How many people are killed every year by weed???

And now think about how many people are killed by alcohol each year...

Alcohol definately...

And I am from The Netherlands, a country where you can buy weed legally in coffeeshops... Believe me, more people die to alcoholrelated problems like accidents, fights etc.

In coffeeshops there are never fights (for a good reason....) !!!!

[RJ_Bushido]

[QUOTE=MarioBro]As badly as I feel for you...saying that alcohol ruined your life is baloney. It is the choices made by the people who use alcohol irresponsibly that has caused the grief. That is like saying that when someone runs over a family member with their car, that 'cars have ruined my life'. It is simply not true.

It's not a choice - Alcoholism is a disease!!! I didn't choose to be this way!

[TheCount]

It depends on what your personal evils are. I mean loadsa people turn to the bottle to escape things or to be released from stuff etc.
Rijjy is usually a party thing for people to get high and its far more social.

I think the mental effects on an ex alcohol addict trying to clean up their lives is far worse than other things. Also I think that the way alcohol can make you violent or whatnot when drunk can be far more nasty than other social drugs.

Both destroy lives and so on but I must admit alcohol is far more mentally tormenting.

[Nick K]

How many people are killed every year by weed???

And now think about how many people are killed by alcohol each year...

Alcohol definately...

And I am from The Netherlands, a country where you can buy weed legally in coffeeshops... Believe me, more people die to alcoholrelated problems like accidents, fights etc.

In coffeeshops there are never fights (for a good reason....) !!!!

The answer is that no-one actually knows how many people are killed by cannabis, which contributes to death by road traffic accidents, heart and lung disease, various cancers, as well as mental health problems potentially leading to suicide and homicide (this last only occasionally, I must stress).

Someone above raised an important point, which was to highlight the importance of the user's personality in determining the effect on behaviour. This person asked if people who had become violent after taking cannabis were violent otherwise, and the answer is often, but not always.

[niclans]

Marijuana sucks hehe. I hate alcohol too though :p

[ap Oweyn]

It's not a choice - Alcoholism is a disease!!! I didn't choose to be this way!

I don't have a ton of experience with this stuff. Really, I only worked as a substance abuse counselor for about three months (internship for school). So take my input with a grain of salt. But I agree with you that it's a disease, in the sense that there's a physiological component to it. It's more complicated than simply a series of bad decisions (which was what I believed when I first started).

That said, diseases can be treated. So MarioBro still has a point. Saying "I didn't choose to be this way" is valid. But you aren't helpless. You have options. They may not be as numerous or as easy as for someone who doesn't have your disease. But they're still there.

As for which is worse, I don't know. It feels a bit like asking whether you'd rather be stabbed or shot (a question I've actually seen here before). Given my druthers, I'd rather avoid both. And as luck would have it, I do have my druthers.

In my brief time as a substance abuse counselor, I saw a lot of alcoholic clients. I don't remember ever seeing a client who was there strictly for a marijuana addiction. That's not to say it's less dangerous though. A lot of people addicted to more dangerous substances also used marijuana. I wish I had thought to ask which came first, to see whether marijuana had served as a gateway. But, to be perfectly honest, I didn't.

There are other explanations for that as well though. Many of our group members were there by court order. So it could well be that devoted marijuana users weren't engaging in the sort of high-risk activities that landed them in court (driving while under the influence, getting into punchups, etc.).

It does disturb me a bit that the measure for alcohol being worse seems to focus on whether people then turn around and whack each other about. Generally, the standard for whether your substance use is a problem is the degree to which you're impaired. Now that doesn't mean wrapping your car around a tree or mugging people for drug money. It could mean something as "victimless" as letting all of your grades go to hell in school. (And yeah, I'm sure everybody knows some genius who toked up all the time and still got straight As. I expect that happens. But is it the norm?)

In some ways, I feel like marijuana is more insidious precisely because you don't get these dramatic events that serve as wakeup calls. Maybe all you get is this quiet, gradual loss of drive and opportunity.

I don't know. But since I don't really need to choose between addictions, I don't.


Stuart