The Joy and Challenge of Friendships
Hanging out with great friends is a blessing, but it can sometimes lead to overindulgence. Take B, a 43-year-old from Atlanta. B loves socializing with friends, enjoying champagne on a patio or wine on weeknights. But during the pandemic, it started feeling like too much. You know how it goes… One glass turns into three, and suddenly it’s Tuesday morning with a headache. Now there is a growing trend in which people are replacing alcohol with Weed in the US!
A Personal Decision: Quitting Alcohol
Eventually, B gave up on alcohol and switched to marijuana gummies for that buzz. This isn’t just a personal choice. It’s part of a larger trend in the U.S. For the first time,cannabis use has overtaken daily alcohol consumption. Recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that almost 18 million Americans 12 and older used marijuana daily or almost daily in 2022, compared to about 15 million who drank alcohol that often. Talk about a shift!
The Impact of Alcohol on Health
For B, giving up alcohol wasn’t just a choice; it was a necessity. The binge drinking with friends led to hangovers and anxiety. Which affected her work and fitness. With a family history of alcoholism and heart disease, moderation isn’t going to be an option. So, she wanted to quit alcohol entirely, and suprisingly, it was easier than she thought, thanks to the support of her friends. “Turns out, you don’t need wine to whine with friends,” she jokes.
Discovering Cannabis Gummies
After a few months of sobriety, B started experimenting with cannabis gummies. She found them easy to mix with non-alcoholic drinks and appreciated the mild buzz they provided. “I don’t like getting super high,” she said. “I just cut off a quarter of a gummy to take the edge off after a long day.”
Is it Worth Replacing Alcohol with Weed?
Experts are still debating about replacing alcohol with marijuana is a better option. Carol Boyd, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Health at the University of Michigan. She points out that even moderate alcohol consumption can have health risks. Just one drink a day can raise blood pressure, cause an irregular heartbeat, or even shrink your brain.
The Pandemic Effect on Drinking Habits
During the pandemic, binge drinking increased, especially among women. Thus, leading to more emergency room visits and a rise in alcohol deaths. However, the unregulated market for hemp products, like the gummies B uses, has its own risks. These products can contain cannabinoids with unknown and possibly dangerous effects.
The Risks of Unregulated Hemp Products
Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a board member of Doctors for Drug Policy Reform, warns that unregulated hemp products are like the Wild West, with mysterious contents and contaminants. The FDA report that many calls to poison control centers involve effects from cannabinoids, showing the need for caution.
Advice for Safe Cannabis Use
For those thinking about using marijuana to replace alcohol, experts recommend buying from dispensaries where products are tested for purity and safety. Be sure to start with a low dose, avoid driving, and educate yourself usage.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Ultimately, If you are replacing alcohol with weed it depends on individual circumstances. But as this trend starts growing, being informed and cautious is key.