You may have wondered why weed is illegal, but alcohol is not.  Given that more people die each year due to alcohol compared to cannabis, it does seem there is a valid question people ask.

Not to mention, become fatal in worse-case scenarios. With this in mind, you might be wondering why some substances are illegal and others, like alcohol, are readily available – despite having the ability to ruin lives. Here, we explain the topic in more detail.

 

What is Weed?

Also known as Cannabis or Marijuana, Weed is a plant-based substance that is smoked, vaped or even eaten. There are a few different types of weed people smoke, but they all derive from the cannabis plant. Grass, which looks like dried herbs, is made from drying out the cannabis plant. Skunk is a particularly strong strain and can be covered in crystals, and Hash is made from the plant’s resin and can come in a variety of forms.

 

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol comes in lots of different forms and strengths but is used to describe a drink that has ethanol in it. This is a type of alcohol that’s produced during the fermentation process and acts as a drug. Alcohol isn’t just in drinks though. You can commonly find it in mouthwash and anti-bacterial hand gels, as alcohol works to kill off any harmful bacteria.

 

Hundreds of thousands of individuals suffer from alcohol addiction or prescription drug addiction every year. But both of these substances are still legal in the UK. In contrast, there are a huge number of drugs that are classed as illegal, including weed that people consume but are not inherently addicted to the substance.

The main reason why drugs are illegal is that they’ve been proven to cause psychological and physical harm. So, under this explanation, you could argue alcohol should have a stronger case for illegality compared to cannabis.

There’s also the fact that drugs can cause bad and criminal behaviour, so often, laws are created to protect the wider public, too. Many illegal drugs can also cause death via overdose, even the first time that someone uses them, which is another reason why they are classed as illegal. Put simply, drugs are made illegal to try and prevent individuals from harm.

You might still be wondering why some drugs are legal, like alcohol and nicotine. This is because a team of experts have found that, although negative side effects can occur, when consumed in small amounts, they are relatively safe for humans. But again, you could argue this could not be the case for cannabis.

 

Which is More Harmful? Alcohol or Weed?

For years, people have debated whether alcohol is as bad as weed. More specifically, research has shown that weed brings with it fewer risks but that’s not to say that it’s a good choice. Both are unique substances that have varying effects which therefore makes comparisons very difficult. Despite this, below we round up the biggest factors:

  • Research: we know more about alcohol than we do weed so we might just not know about the long-term effects of weed just yet.
  • Short-term effects: while these will vary from person to person, alcohol causes drunkenness, relaxation, giddiness, slurring of words, nausea and vomiting. Weed can cause drowsiness, nausea, headaches and increased hunger.
  • Lingering effects: while alcohol can cause a hangover the next day, including headaches, sickness and fatigue, weed can cause headaches and brain fog the next day.
  • Long-term effects: if misused regularly, alcohol can cause liver disease, digestive issues, heart damage and infertility to name a few. The long-term effect of weed, on the other hand, aren’t as known but some suggest it causes issues with brain development and mental health concerns

It’s also important to remember that every person is different and individual tolerances will be different too. What’s more, both substances have addiction potential and there’s a possibility that individuals could develop an emotional or physical dependence on both weed and alcohol. Cannabis addiction can be treated at rehab.

 

Weed is not illegal Everywhere.

In the UK, weed is illegal unless prescribed as a medication. However, this is not the case throughout the world; in some countries, cannabis is actually legal or decriminalised.

Countries with Legalised Cannabis:

Canada: In 2018, Canada legalized cannabis for recreational use nationwide. This decision was influenced by aims to reduce illegal drug trade, regulate quality and safety, and prevent underage usage through controlled distribution. The Canadian government also saw an opportunity to generate tax revenue and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.

Uruguay: As the first country to fully legalise cannabis in 2013, Uruguay’s government sought to combat drug trafficking and promote public health by regulating the cannabis market. The state controls production and distribution to ensure it remains within legal channels.

United States: Cannabis legality varies by state. As of 2023, several states have legalised recreational cannabis (e.g., Colorado, California, Oregon), while others permit it for medicinal use or prohibit it entirely. Despite state laws, federal law still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal at the federal level.

Netherlands: Known for its tolerant approach, the Netherlands allows the sale of small amounts of cannabis in licensed “coffee shops.” While technically illegal, the possession and sale of up to five grams are decriminalised, reflecting a pragmatic approach to drug policy.

Several key factors have influenced the legalisation of cannabis in these countries. Over time, societal attitudes have evolved, with many people now viewing cannabis as less harmful than previously thought. This change in perception has played a major role in driving legalisation efforts across various regions.

Medical research has also been instrumental in influencing legalisation. Scientific studies have highlighted the medicinal benefits of cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. As a result, the public and policymakers alike have become more accepting of cannabis use, particularly for therapeutic purposes.

The legal cannabis industry promises significant tax revenue and job creation, making it an attractive option for many governments seeking to boost their economies. Together, these factors have shaped the movement toward cannabis legalisation in recent years.

 

So, to Answer Your Question…

The legal status of alcohol and cannabis has been shaped by history, culture, and politics, not just by how harmful they are. Alcohol has been part of human society for thousands of years and is common in many cultures. It plays a role in religious ceremonies, social events, and traditions.

In the early 20th century, countries like the U.S. tried to ban alcohol during Prohibition (1920-1933). However, this led to illegal alcohol production, organized crime, and people ignoring the law. As a result, the government decided to make alcohol legal again, choosing to regulate and tax it instead of banning it.

Cannabis, on the other hand, has a different story. In the past, it was often used for medicine and to make products like rope and cloth. But in the 20th century, it became illegal in many places. In the U.S., cannabis was linked to racial and political issues, and laws were made to target certain communities. Mexican immigrants used to smoke cannabis and during an influx of refugees to the USA in 1910 a lot of rumours circulated about weed and it was alleged it caused a “lust for blood”. Clamping down on cannabis was seen as a way to target these immigrants, and political motivations, or even racist motivations, impacted how cannabis was viewed by the general public.

In 1961, a global agreement classified cannabis as a dangerous drug, putting it in the same category as heroin. This, along with the War on Drugs later in the century, led to stricter punishments for cannabis, often driven by politics rather than science.

Cultural attitudes also explain the difference in legal status between alcohol and cannabis. Alcohol is seen as normal and acceptable because it has been part of society for so long. Cannabis, however, has been viewed negatively and linked to counterculture movements. Many people wrongly saw it as a gateway to harder drugs. Overall, the legal status of alcohol and cannabis is not just about their risks but is also shaped by cultural acceptance, politics, and changing social views over time.

 


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John Gillen - Author - Last Updated: 11 July 2022

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of Nad+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. his passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases.

The journey continues, in recent times john has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with Nad+ scientists and the very best of the medical profession in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Clinics own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists, Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with Nad+ therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

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