If you like to wind down at the end of the day with a drink or two, you’re not alone. Many people use alcohol socially or as therapy when they need to relax. But alcohol intake can lead to overindulgence in calories, resulting in weight gain, blood sugar problems, and more.

Replacing alcohol with weed is a good way to keep the calories down but still enjoy the relaxing or social benefits so many of us crave. In this article, we will discuss why weed is better than alcohol, and how using marijuana to quit drinking might be something you want to consider.

Dangers of Alcohol

Do you like to enjoy a glass or wine or beer at the end of the day? If so, you’re not alone. Many people use alcohol to help them relax. It’s also present in many social situations.

While alcohol might seem like a good way to wind down, some research shows that it can be very problematic. According to one study, there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink.

The study authors noted that there were nearly 3 million deaths around the world in 2016 alone from alcohol use, including 12 percent of deaths in men between 15 and 49.

According to senior study author, Doctor Emmanuela Gakidou of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, alcohol consumption has massive health risks.

He stated that there is a clear link between drinking alcohol and premature death, cardiovascular problems, and cancer. He went on to state that not consuming alcohol at all minimizes the risk of overall loss of health.

The study stated that even small amounts of alcohol can cause health problems. Research shows that 10 grams of pure alcohol is average for most countries, although this number varies. This is the equivalent of the following:

A small glass of red wine (100 ml) that contains 13 percent alcohol by volume
A bottle or can of beer (375 ml) at 3.5 percent alcohol by volume
A shot of whiskey or another hard liquor (30 ml) at 40 percent alcohol by volume

Drinking alcohol has been linked to the following health complications, according to the above-mentioned study:

Heart disease, including hypertensive heart disease, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and flutter, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, ischemic heart disease
Breast, colorectal, liver, esophageal, larynx, lip and oral cavity, and nasal cancers

Non-communicable diseases, such as liver cirrhosis due to alcohol use, diabetes, epilepsy, pancreatitis, and alcohol use disorders
Infectious diseases, such as lower respiratory infections and tuberculosis
Intentional injuries from interpersonal violence and self-harm
Unintentional injuries, including exposure to mechanical forces, poisonings, fire, heat, and hot substances, drowning, and other accidental injuries
Transportation-related injuries, such as car accidents while driving under the influence

How To Replace Alcohol With Weed

Using marijuana to quit drinking can be helpful if it’s done properly. Keep in mind that nothing is good for you in obsessive or excessive amounts, and that goes for weed, too.

However, using weed to quit drinking can be a helpful way to reduce calorie intake and prevent overconsumption of a beverage that has been linked to so many diseases.

According to one study, weed is safer to use than alcohol and other drugs, such as cocaine and tobacco. The study authors noted that cannabis was considered “low risk” for toxicology when compared to tobacco and tobacco, which are “high risk” substances.

Instead of having a beer or two at night, consider using marijuana. It has a calming effect on the body, and has also been shown to reduce pain and help you sleep – all without consuming any calories.

Weed can also be a therapeutic way to socialize instead of drinking alcohol, which may lead to drunk driving charges and the endangerment of others.

There are several ways you can replace alcohol with weed:

Use CBD in capsule form at night to help reduce anxiety and help you sleep
Smoke a joint instead of drinking a beer to induce relaxation
Smoke marijuana when socializing instead of drinking alcohol

It should be noted that smoking should not be done in front of children. If you plan to replace alcohol with weed, then wait until your kids are in bed. You will also want to consult with your doctor before using alcohol OR weed if you are taking any prescription medications as there may be contraindications.