The Back Story
The Back Story is your source for the latest in health, wellness and medical care for you and your entire family. Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D. and the world-renowned physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, join forces with an expanded network of experts to bring in-depth conversations covering medical research, trending topics and wellness. Our podcast is a trusted source of information for medical care, combined with real patient experiences and the latest breakthroughs in medicine.
The Back Story
The Health Impact of Cannabis vs. Alcohol
So, after breaking it all down, what’s the verdict? Is one of these substances definitively worse than the other?
- Alcohol has greater short- and long-term health risks, including addiction, organ damage, and cancer.
- Cannabis has fewer physiological harms but can affect mental health and cognitive function.
- Cannabis has legitimate medical applications, whereas alcohol does not.
- Social and legal acceptance of alcohol far outweighs that of cannabis, despite scientific evidence suggesting that cannabis is less harmful.
At the end of the day, moderation is key.
Neither substance is entirely risk-free, and individual reactions vary. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, seeking professional guidance is always the best course of action.
The reality is if you're really worried about your health you probably wouldn't use either of these substances