By Luke Sholl


Many of us don’t think twice about having a cold beer or a glass of wine after a long day of work. But as public opinion shifts and regulations change, it seems that alcohol is slowly being replaced with freshly rolled joints. So, what is it about cannabis that seems to be attracting more and more people?

According to data from a YouGov poll[1], safety appears to be a significant concern. In fact, the majority of Americans think that regular alcohol and tobacco consumption is more harmful to health than marijuana. But is there more to it than that? Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of alcohol and cannabis use, and see if we really are heading for a green revolution.

Cannabis roll

Is Alcohol Better Than Weed, or Is It the Other Way Around?

When trying to discern if one substance is better than another, we need to break down their primary factors. How do they affect health, what do they cost, and which one is more socially acceptable than the other? But when it comes to distinct substances like alcohol and weed, is it even possible to compare the two? While one is widely accepted (and generally encouraged) the world over, the other faces an uphill battle, with many countries still totally against recreational marijuana use.

Still, despite the barriers to use, data on multiple fronts suggests that there is a slow but prominent shift away from regular alcohol consumption, with many leaning towards cannabis as a direct replacement[2]. With responsible use in mind, let’s take a closer look at the ongoing battle between cannabis and alcohol.

Cannabis vs Alcohol

To understand this unique shift in behaviour, we need to break down the broad influence both substances have on areas such as our health, our wallet, and the perspectives of people around us.

Cannabis vs Alcohol
  • Recreational Use

Evidence of alcohol use dates back as far as 7000 BCE, compared to 2800 BCE for cannabis, but both substances have their foundations in Central Asia. Since then, alcohol and cannabis have undergone their fair share of challenges, including a period of alcohol prohibition during the 1920s and, of course, the continued prohibition of cannabis.

While access to cannabis is slowly becoming easier, many cultures still view alcohol as a rite of passage. There may be limits on what age we can legally drink, but it’s common for people to spend lots of money going out and drinking away the weekend.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to directly compare the two recreationally, as we simply don’t have the same access to cannabis as we do alcohol. Still, in areas where cannabis is legal, such as California, there seems to be a shift in favourability[3]. And much of that shift comes down to the proposed long-term effects that alcohol has on the body. That’s not to say that cannabis is devoid of negative or unwanted side effects, but from a recreational point of view, “a growing share of cannabis consumers report daily or near-daily use, and their numbers exceed the number of daily and near-daily drinkers”.

  • Social Acceptance

Potential health implications aren’t the only driver behind increased cannabis use; it’s how the herb is viewed by the wider community. The perspectives of our social circle, friends, and family have a profound impact on our life choices. Rewind twenty years, and the idea of smoking weed at home after a long day was seen as the start of a slippery slope to crime and drug addiction.

Thankfully, viewpoints have shifted significantly, and the days of Reefer Madness have been replaced with legal cannabis markets, massive companies, celebrity endorsements, and more. As a result, it’s estimated that around 1.3% of adults in the European Union[4] (3.7 million people) are daily or almost daily users of cannabis. Interestingly, though, the trend of increased use is mixed across Europe, with some countries reporting higher estimates while others have seen a decrease compared to previous studies.

Conversely, alcohol has experienced the opposite, as drinking culture appears to be in decline. Not only does a UK survey suggest that 53% would like to be less pressured to drink[5] as part of socialising and work events, but in the US, people are drinking fewer units of alcohol compared to data from 2009. This sentiment appears to go hand in hand with CDC studies that suggest rates of alcohol use[6] have fallen nearly 8% from 2015, compared to marijuana use, which has increased by nearly 6%.

  • Effects

When comparing two substances, it is arguably the effects that make or break their popularity. More specifically, the adverse effects (and our understanding of them) play a significant role in their acceptance. Before we get into the health implications of cannabis and alcohol, let’s examine what attracts users in the first place.

  • Short-Term Effects

The influence of both weed and alcohol is short-lived. Aside from an alcohol hangover (which can last several days), the peak of effects of both substances occurs after an hour or so of use. Keep consuming either substance, and those effects will continue, although you run the risk of greening out with cannabis or becoming totally inebriated with alcohol.

As you can see, there are a lot of similarities in the effects of alcohol and cannabis, which could account for the perceived shift from using one to using the other.

Cannabis vs Alcohol side effects
  • Possible Side Effects

However, when you start comparing the possible adverse effects (and how long they last), the trending decline in drinking culture makes a lot of sense.

While weed hangovers are possible, they’re uncommon, and symptoms don’t usually last more than a few hours. However, there is still the risk of greening out—a condition that can occur if you have a low tolerance.

From drinking alcohol From smoking weed

 Nausea and vomiting

Cotton mouth
Headache Brain fog
Aching muscles

Nausea and vomiting

Stomach upset

  • Health Implications

Here’s where the debate surrounding alcohol versus marijuana heats up. Even though alcohol has become an integral part of cultures worldwide, we now understand that long-term, regular consumption causes a myriad of problems for the mind and body. These include:

  • Damage to the heart and stomach
  • Infertility
  • Liver disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • High blood pressure

Of course, weed is not without its health implications too. The possible long-term impact of chronic cannabis use includes:

  • Mental health issues (including conditions such as psychosis and schizophrenia)
  • Brain development issues in adolescents

Now, on the face of it, it appears as if cannabis has fewer long-term health implications. And if you’re asking whether smoking weed is better than drinking, based purely on the impact to health, you’d probably think that it is. However, it’s crucial we point out that studies into the long-term effects of cannabis use are limited, even more so when compared to alcohol. We simply don’t have the same degree of qualitative, long-term data on cannabis use as we do alcohol.

  • Cost

To keep the comparison as objective as possible, we also need to consider the price of both substances, especially as they are mostly enjoyed recreationally. How much does it cost to drink versus smoke a joint? Again, it’s challenging to give an exact comparison, as the way we consume both substances varies significantly. Still, if we take a common scenario, such as drinking on a night out or having friends over to smoke, we can give a general idea of the cost implications.

According to data from a 2022 Statista survey[7], drinks on a night out in the UK costs an average of £34, and that’s not accounting for transport, getting ready during the day, and entry to clubs or pubs. Comparatively, an eighth of weed is estimated to cost roughly £18, not including rolling papers or a smoking device such as a vaporizer or bong. It’s a rudimentary comparison, but basic costs for cannabis appear to be lower compared to drinking.

  • Legality

An area where alcohol clearly wins out is legality. It’s legal to buy and consume alcohol (provided you’re old enough) in virtually every country in the world. Cannabis, on the other hand, is still experiencing widespread prohibition, and in many parts of the world, cannabis use can carry a hefty prison sentence.

Fortunately, the situation is changing, with Canada, Germany, and numerous states in the US approving cannabis use both recreationally and medicinally. It will probably come as no surprise that these areas are also experiencing a rise in daily cannabis use alongside a decline in daily drinking. Still, we have a long way to go before cannabis is as universally accepted as alcohol, and as a result, alcohol will remain easier to access and consume for the time being.

What About Combining Cannabis and Alcohol?

So far, we’ve focused exclusively on the trend of replacing alcohol with cannabis and how they compare, but what about combining both substances? Well, drinking and smoking (also called crossfading) can certainly work, but it's a delicate balancing act that can very quickly spiral out of control.

Not only do you have to contend with the intoxicating effects of both alcohol and THC, but it appears that “boozing while vaping significantly increases levels of THC and the metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC”. In essence, smoking and drinking will make your weed feel more potent, increasing the chance of unwanted side effects or even greening out.

When you also consider that alcohol impairs your judgement, crossfading is a practice most people avoid. If you want to experience the sensation for yourself, then there are a couple of essential tips we recommend, including smoking first before you have a drink.

Is Replacing Alcohol With Weed a Healthier Option?

Whether it’s unwinding after work or socialising with friends, both weed and alcohol provide sought-after effects. However, with legal access to weed increasing, the preference for marijuana over drinking appears to be rising in kind. Then, of course, you have what appears to be the most influential factor—health implications. Based on our current understanding of long-term effects, weed appears to “beat” alcohol with fewer adverse effects.

However, the volume of research surrounding alcohol use is significant compared to weed use. For now, it’s up to you as an individual to decide whether alcohol or weed is a better fit for your lifestyle. From a recreational perspective, both can enhance or augment social situations, but both also come with pretty undesirable side effects should you push the envelope a little too far. Of course, enjoy everything in moderation, and there’s no reason you cannot have a fruitful relationship with either!

External Resources:
  1. https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/crosstabs_Marijuana.pdf
  2. 2021-2022 Older Adult Behavioral Health | CBHSQ Data https://www.samhsa.gov
  3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.16519
  4. Cannabis – the current situation in Europe (European Drug Report 2023) | www.euda.europa.eu https://www.emcdda.europa.eu
  5. Why work drinking culture is fading https://www.bbc.com
  6. Bloomberg - Are you a robot? https://www.bloomberg.com
  7. Average spending on nights out in the UK 2022 | Statista https://www.statista.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: