Alcohol vs. THC: What Texans Need to Know About Which Is More Dangerous

During the proposed THC ban in Texas, which Governor Abbott thankfully vetoed, the debate over the dangers of cannabis was everywhere. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, in particular, seemed more focused on fearmongering than facts.

As someone who enjoys some good adult beverages and has a weekly show segment focusing on alcohol called The Weekend Buzz (shameless plug), I started wondering: if we’re talking about danger, how does marijuana really stack up against alcohol? So I did some digging, and the truth might surprise you.

READ MORE: Most Texans Against THC Ban

Alcohol’s Role in Texas Fatalities

According to drugabuse.com, alcohol is a major contributor to preventable deaths in the U.S. The CDC reports over 30,000 annual deaths from alcohol-related health issues, not counting accidents or overdoses. Binge drinking alone accounts for nearly half of the 88,000 alcohol-related deaths each year.

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In contrast, marijuana has virtually no documented cases of fatal overdose. A fatal dose of THC would require smoking between 238 and 1,113 joints in a single day, impossible even for Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg.

Let’s Talk Driving Impaired

Driving under the influence is dangerous, period. But the alcohol has the upper hand, especially when it comes to fatalities. Alcohol is involved in about 28% of all motor vehicle deaths in the U.S., killing more than 10,000 people annually.

While cannabis does impair driving, especially at high doses, studies show the risk is much lower. One study found that drivers with alcohol in their system had an odds ratio (OR) of 7.4 for crash fault, while cannabis-only drivers had an OR of 0.7. Does that mean? Well, that means that cannabis users are less likely to be at fault. That said, combining both substances significantly increases risk.

Health Impact: Long-Term Differences

Alcohol’s long-term effects are well-documented with liver disease, several cancers, heart issues, high blood pressure, and serious mental health impacts. It’s one of the leading causes of preventable death and takes a massive toll on both individual health and the healthcare system.

Marijuana, while not risk-free, doesn’t carry the same level of harm. Its long-term effects are still being studied, but so far, it hasn’t been linked to fatal diseases the way alcohol has. In Australia, alcohol was responsible for 3.2% of the total burden of disease and injury, while cannabis accounted for just 0.2% (MPP.org). That’s a big difference worth paying attention to.

So when people argue that marijuana is a "dangerous drug," it’s worth asking: compared to what? Because the drink in most of our hands is statistically far more harmful.

THC: A Safer Choice for Texas?

I’m not saying cannabis is risk-free because it’s not. And neither is that double cheeseburger. But when you lay out the facts, marijuana consistently shows up as the safer option, especially when it comes to overdose risk, long-term health impacts, and driving safety.

Again, I do enjoy kicking back on the patio with a glass of bourbon and a cigar. But when you compare the risks between alcohol and THC, there are just so many facts to support the idea that alcohol is just far more dangerous.

If you're curious about the finer points of cannabis use, the CDC has solid, research-backed info worth checking out at cdc.gov.