Study Confirms Alcohol and Tobacco More Harmful Than Cannabis in Canada
A Canadian study finds alcohol and tobacco more harmful than cannabis, urging a reevaluation of drug policies based on scientific evidence
Key Points
- 1Alcohol and tobacco rank higher in harm than cannabis in a Canadian study
- 2The study uses multi-criteria decision analysis to evaluate 16 substances
- 3Experts emphasize the need for drug policies reflecting actual harm
- 4Cannabis legalization highlights policy-science disconnect
- 5The study calls for honest assessment of substance harms
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology highlights that alcohol and tobacco inflict significantly more harm on individuals and society than cannabis. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, utilized a comprehensive multi-criteria decision analysis to evaluate the impact of 16 psychoactive substances. The findings reveal that alcohol and tobacco rank highest in terms of overall harm, with cannabis trailing far behind
The study involved a panel of 20 experts from six Canadian provinces who assessed each substance across 16 harm categories, including mortality risk, physical and mental health impacts, and economic costs. Alcohol emerged as the most harmful substance with a score of 79, followed by tobacco at 45, while cannabis scored a mere 15. These results mirror previous international studies, underscoring the disproportionate harm caused by alcohol and tobacco compared to cannabis
The researchers emphasize that the harm scores reflect population-level impacts rather than the intrinsic dangers of each substance. Alcohol's high score is attributed not just to its toxicity but also to its widespread use and social acceptance, coupled with weak regulation. Cannabis, on the other hand, is associated with fewer societal harms, such as violence and fatal accidents, contributing to its lower score
Despite its lower harm score, the study does not suggest that cannabis is without risks. It acknowledges potential health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations. The research advocates for drug policies that are proportional to the actual harm caused by substances, rather than being influenced by tradition or stigma. This study provides a data-driven argument for reevaluating current drug policies, especially as cannabis legalization progresses across North America
The implications of this study are profound, highlighting a disconnect between scientific evidence and public policy. While cannabis businesses face stringent regulations, alcohol remains deeply ingrained in social norms despite its risks. The study calls for an honest assessment of substance harms to ensure that public health policies truly reflect the data, rather than outdated perceptions