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ALCOHOL VERSUS CANNABIS - COMPARISON OF RISK
Helena E. Makulska-Nowak
Abstract
The undesirable effects of alcohol and cannabinoids observed, confirmed and described in the literature are presented. Comparison of the noxious effects of this substances is particularly difficult due to the differences in their structure and properties. Alcohol is a single, exogenous compound with simple chemical structure, whereas cannabis comprises about 60 compounds present exclusively in the narcotic variety of Cannabis sativa, including both noxious substances as well as those, which may be applied for treatment controlled by a physician. Cannabis sativa is a source of products containing different quantities of psychoactive cannabinoids, such as marihuana, hashish and hash oil.
Discovery of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, determination of their location in the brain and other structures of human and animal organisms, cloning of such receptors and discovery of their endogenous ligands pointed to the possibility of their participation in certain physiological and pathophysiological functions. When comparing the noxiousness of alcohol and cannabinoids it is particularly important to consider short-term noxious effects and those, which may be aroused after lengthy abuse; both some similarities, as well as considerable differences exist. Therefore, only single substances in strictly defined equivalent doses should be compared. Also, form of the compound, route of entering the organism, manner of intake, dose used, personality of the taker, age, sex, bodyweight, genetic and environmental conditions, organ efficiency, activity of enzymes participating in metabolism of such compounds should be taken into consideration.
Keywords:
cannabinoids, alcohol, harmful effectsDetails
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.