Science & tech Cannabis Is Exactly 114 Times Less Toxic Than Alcohol Bailey Rahn February 24, 2015 Share Twitter Facebook Share Print

Research published in Scientific Reports rated recreational drugs according to their toxicity, and none of us blinked an eye when we saw cannabis sitting at the very bottom of the list. But maybe a few eyebrows were raised when the report awarded alcohol 1st place in the contest of “Who Can Wreak the Most Havoc on the Human Body?”

In fact, researchers rated cannabis 114 times less deadly than alcohol when using the margin of exposure approach, a mode of measurement that looks at a substance’s ratio of toxicological threshold and estimated human intake. Alcohol, along with heroin, tobacco, and cocaine, fell into the “high risk” category,” while ecstasy and meth were rated “medium risk.” These findings reinforce previous data that ranked recreational drugs similarly using different methods of measurement.

Compare this ranking with the United States’ list of Controlled Substances and you’ll notice some infuriating discrepancies. Cannabis is placed in the most restrictive category alongside ecstasy and heroin, where these drugs are considered to have no therapeutic value and a high risk profile. Schedule II is where you’ll find cocaine, meth, and opiate painkillers; these drugs have “accepted medicinal applications,” but still have a high abuse potential.

Meanwhile, you’ll find no trace of alcohol or tobacco on this list. Nowhere to be seen.

We have the empirical proof that cannabis is less dangerous than alcohol, tobacco, and most restricted substances. There is an ever-growing body of evidence supporting its medicinal benefits in PTSD, epilepsy, Crohn’s, anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and so many other symptoms and conditions. Not only that, scientists, pediatricians, and congressmen have called for the rescheduling of cannabis. Support for legalized cannabis is growing day by day, and there’s certainly reason to believe that reform will come eventually.

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Bailey Rahn Bailey is a senior content manager at Leafly, specializing in strains and health. She's spent 7+ years researching cannabis products, spreading patients’ stories, and exploring healthy ways of integrating cannabis into daily life. View Bailey Rahn's articles