It depends on what is meant by dangerous. Both drugs are dangerous when used in large doses. However, marijuana in small doses will impair senses to a much greater degree than alcohol in small doses.
Furthermore, marijuana metabolites are stored in fatty tissue for weeks, while alcohol, even in large quantities, passes in days. Marijuana smoke contains the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke, and heavy use has been linked to increased incidence of heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, gum disease, and cancers of the mouth, jaw, and tongue. And pot delivers second-hand smoke to nonusers. Can't get alcohol to do that.
I'm not suggesting that alcohol is not "dangerous". It certainly contains its own health risks, negative behavioral effects, and addictive attributes. But if forced to compare with pot, especially among low or moderate users, alcohol seems safer -- at least to me. |
