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Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?
Nationally recognized marijuana-policy experts Steve Fox, Paul Armentano, and Mason Tvert compare and contrast the relative harms and legal status of the two most popular recreational substances in the world--marijuana and alcohol. Through an objective examination of the two drugs and the laws and social practices that steer people toward alcohol, the authors pose a simple yet rarely considered question: Why do we punish adults who make the rational, safer choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol?
Marijuana Is Safer reaches for a broad audience. For those unfamiliar with marijuana, it provides an introduction to the cannabis plant and its effects on the user, and debunks some of the government's most frequently cited marijuana myths. For current and aspiring advocates of marijuana-law reform, as well as anyone else who is interested in what is becoming a major political battle, the authors spell out why the message that marijuana is safer than alcohol must be a prominent part of the public debate over legalization.
Most importantly, for the millions of Americans who want to advance the cause of marijuana-policy reform--or simply want to defend their own personal, safer choice--this book provides the talking points and detailed information needed to make persuasive arguments to friends, family, coworkers, and elected officials.
Marijuana Is Safer reaches for a broad audience. For those unfamiliar with marijuana, it provides an introduction to the cannabis plant and its effects on the user, and debunks some of the government's most frequently cited marijuana myths. For current and aspiring advocates of marijuana-law reform, as well as anyone else who is interested in what is becoming a major political battle, the authors spell out why the message that marijuana is safer than alcohol must be a prominent part of the public debate over legalization.
Most importantly, for the millions of Americans who want to advance the cause of marijuana-policy reform--or simply want to defend their own personal, safer choice--this book provides the talking points and detailed information needed to make persuasive arguments to friends, family, coworkers, and elected officials.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
31 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Steve Fox
58 books1 followerMason Tvert is the cofounder and executive director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) and the SAFER Voter Education Fund. He appears frequently in the news and travels the country promoting the "Marijuana Is Safer Than Alcohol" message. He resides in Denver, where he serves on the citys Marijuana Policy Review Panel appointed by Mayor John W. Hickenlooper."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 30, 2009
A quick (pardon the pun) distillation of the argument: The two most popular recreational nervous system depressants are alcohol and cannabis. One is legal, the other is not. The legal drug can affect the brain stem and thus cause death by asphyxiation, the illegal one cannot. The legal drug is associated with aggressive acts like assault and rape, the legal one is not. By discouraging cannabis use, society is pushing people toward a drug that is more dangerous for the individual and the public. Legalizing the private use of cannabis by adults would decrease the use of alcohol, freeing up law enforcement resources, raise tax revenue, and improve the public health.
Overall I found this book thought-provoking in a good way, though I take issue with a couple of their chief assumptions. First, I question the percentage of the public who actually view alcohol and cannabis as substitutes. Perhaps they are similar chemically, but I find it hard to believe that many people drink solely for the chemical effect. Legalization might increase the number of people who see the two as substitutes, but the authors made no effort to answer that question, produced no studies or statistics despite this being a key point of their entire argument. Second, the authors argue that legalization will put an end to some of the drug violence currently happening along the US-Mexico border. The logical problem there is that so long as there is a price incentive to operate on the black market such markets will continue to work, and plans I have heard would levy taxes that would actually raise the price of marijuana above what its current black market price is. If the price on the black market is less than the legal price, it's likely that many people will continue to turn to the black market.
Still, just the way the book was organized was very intellectually stimulating. It's not a comparison I've drawn before (I tend to link marijuana and tobacco in my mind, due to the similar delivery method), and even if you don't fully believe every claim the authors make about marijuana's health effects, it's hard to believe they stack up against the littany of alcohol-related ills. I highly recommend this book, whatever your current stance on marijuana is.
Overall I found this book thought-provoking in a good way, though I take issue with a couple of their chief assumptions. First, I question the percentage of the public who actually view alcohol and cannabis as substitutes. Perhaps they are similar chemically, but I find it hard to believe that many people drink solely for the chemical effect. Legalization might increase the number of people who see the two as substitutes, but the authors made no effort to answer that question, produced no studies or statistics despite this being a key point of their entire argument. Second, the authors argue that legalization will put an end to some of the drug violence currently happening along the US-Mexico border. The logical problem there is that so long as there is a price incentive to operate on the black market such markets will continue to work, and plans I have heard would levy taxes that would actually raise the price of marijuana above what its current black market price is. If the price on the black market is less than the legal price, it's likely that many people will continue to turn to the black market.
Still, just the way the book was organized was very intellectually stimulating. It's not a comparison I've drawn before (I tend to link marijuana and tobacco in my mind, due to the similar delivery method), and even if you don't fully believe every claim the authors make about marijuana's health effects, it's hard to believe they stack up against the littany of alcohol-related ills. I highly recommend this book, whatever your current stance on marijuana is.
January 11, 2019
This book enters through a brief history of Cannabis Sativa, it's historic medical, symbolic and religious uses. And of course the conspiracy to ban the plant, which mainstream history describes as a collaboration between a few large US companies that didn´t want the competition (of marijuana superior to alcohol, hemp string superior to nylon, et cetera). It is not a fiction book and therefore I don´t consider the following spoilers.
Through fear tactics the American ban was enforced in the 30:ies, and by using the same mechanism that created the alcohol mafia during the alcohol prohibition. The book shows by research what any inquisitive mind would figure out through collection of data sources, but it is nice to have read it and have a good single source material to show skeptics. In essence, the authors illustrates how prohibition creates a black market that produces high alcohol hard liqueur instead of beer or wine. The prohibition of the 3-5% thc cannabis with 1% cbd in the 30:ies has become 17% thc today with 0-0,2 % cbd.
Because prohibition focuses the need from a differentiated use to only the one of getting drunk or high. Alcohol is the number one gateway drug if you don´t count tobacco, but of course - as the book shows - anyone realizes that if weed is only sold illegally, those same criminals that sell that drug also gateway you into for example amphetamines that you never would have gotten in contact with if you could buy weed in the local drug store. And since you easily can quit years of Marijuana use from one day to the other, those shouldn´t even compare. The book brings out the statistics of fatalities when people try to quit alcohol in the same manor (lethal).
CBD is, for the novice, the neuro-stabilizing substance that counteract the memory impairing aspects of black market weed. A compound so much stabilizing that is dwarfs the effects of anti psychotic pharmaceuticals. Which leads to the issue of releasing the prohibition today, when the drug has in essence been proven relatively harmless. There is a lot of money going straight from the pharmaceutical companies to the politicians to hinder a decriminalization. They can't patent a naturally occurring substance.
Like in the 20:ies and before, then the wrong companies had built up a market for alcohol, the "right" companies made their favorite politicians enforce a ban so they could prepare for the release of the ban when they or their grand sons had built up manufacturing resources. The second edition gets into that to some extent, but I havn´t read that one. So I just mention, as it is mentioned. The same is happening in Canada with the legalization, and also in the US.
For a novice there are a lot of information in the book that are common knowledge to many in the field. It has to do with societal, psychological, medical and other aspects of Marijuana. Those are meticulously well and accurately presented. I won´t spoil the fun of reading that to those who are new to this. I'll just repeat that it is trust worthy done.
For those living in the Nordic countries, Great Britain, Russia/eastern Europe, Eeast asian, Australia and some muslim nations, this book will meet opposition when you refer to it. State driven propaganda is often in these countries considered truth. But read it twice. It will pay off.
Please let me know if the second edition focuses on things I havn´t even mentioned here.
Through fear tactics the American ban was enforced in the 30:ies, and by using the same mechanism that created the alcohol mafia during the alcohol prohibition. The book shows by research what any inquisitive mind would figure out through collection of data sources, but it is nice to have read it and have a good single source material to show skeptics. In essence, the authors illustrates how prohibition creates a black market that produces high alcohol hard liqueur instead of beer or wine. The prohibition of the 3-5% thc cannabis with 1% cbd in the 30:ies has become 17% thc today with 0-0,2 % cbd.
Because prohibition focuses the need from a differentiated use to only the one of getting drunk or high. Alcohol is the number one gateway drug if you don´t count tobacco, but of course - as the book shows - anyone realizes that if weed is only sold illegally, those same criminals that sell that drug also gateway you into for example amphetamines that you never would have gotten in contact with if you could buy weed in the local drug store. And since you easily can quit years of Marijuana use from one day to the other, those shouldn´t even compare. The book brings out the statistics of fatalities when people try to quit alcohol in the same manor (lethal).
CBD is, for the novice, the neuro-stabilizing substance that counteract the memory impairing aspects of black market weed. A compound so much stabilizing that is dwarfs the effects of anti psychotic pharmaceuticals. Which leads to the issue of releasing the prohibition today, when the drug has in essence been proven relatively harmless. There is a lot of money going straight from the pharmaceutical companies to the politicians to hinder a decriminalization. They can't patent a naturally occurring substance.
Like in the 20:ies and before, then the wrong companies had built up a market for alcohol, the "right" companies made their favorite politicians enforce a ban so they could prepare for the release of the ban when they or their grand sons had built up manufacturing resources. The second edition gets into that to some extent, but I havn´t read that one. So I just mention, as it is mentioned. The same is happening in Canada with the legalization, and also in the US.
For a novice there are a lot of information in the book that are common knowledge to many in the field. It has to do with societal, psychological, medical and other aspects of Marijuana. Those are meticulously well and accurately presented. I won´t spoil the fun of reading that to those who are new to this. I'll just repeat that it is trust worthy done.
For those living in the Nordic countries, Great Britain, Russia/eastern Europe, Eeast asian, Australia and some muslim nations, this book will meet opposition when you refer to it. State driven propaganda is often in these countries considered truth. But read it twice. It will pay off.
Please let me know if the second edition focuses on things I havn´t even mentioned here.
July 18, 2019
Which I don’t agree with everything written, I actually loved this book and the arguments put forth that weed is better than alcohol. I would never light one up but for those pushing legalization this was a good read, very well versed and good points.
January 28, 2018
Great book, great examples and case studies. Eye-opening.
March 9, 2019
Worth the read. Was a great source of information.
August 17, 2021
Great read!
December 21, 2015
I don't drink alcohol or smoke pot, but I have always wondered why alcohol is legal while marijuana is illegal. There is nobody out there who can deny the individual and societal problems that have occurred from people drinking. Lost productivity. Health issues. Domestic abuse. Car accidents. On any objective measure, marijuana does not come anywhere close to causing those problems. Yet we continue to spend millions on arresting and incarcerating pot users while alcohol (ab)use continues. We know that alcohol will never be made illegal so the obvious question becomes why is marijuana illegal?
Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People To Drink tries to address this question and they come to the argument from several angles. They show the illogical history of pot prohibition. They show the illogical response to athletes who are criticized for mild marijuana use compared to the accepted alcohol culture in professional sports. (They even suggest that advertising/sponsorships by beer companies plays a part in these responses.) They wonder why binge drinking on campuses seems to be a rite of passage while small amounts of pot use become grounds for suspension. But their most persuasive arguments deal with the comparison of the effects of alcohol to the effects of marijuana use both individually and socially.
After reading this book, it is difficult for anybody to objectively support the notion that marijuana should continue to be illegal. But it continues to be illegal and while the authors suggest several things that readers can do to advance the cause, they are up against one huge obstacle (that they try to address). Where is the political will to make the necessary changes?
I am from the generation that popularized marijuana use in the '60s. That generation wields the most power politically as the vast majority of politicians right now come from the boomer generation. That generation also wields the most power in the voting booth as we are more likely to vote. Yet, when a younger politician like a Justin Trudeau suggests that marijuana should be legalized, he is demonized by those older than he is as some drugged out hippie.
On top of that, legalizing marijuana isn't really a game changing issue that would encourage someone to vote differently in an election. So for most political parties and politicians it becomes a no win situation, very little to gain and a lot more to lose.
I am assuming that success or failure of the decision of the voters in Washington and Colorado to legalize marijuana will determine whether other jurisdictions will make the change.
Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People To Drink tries to address this question and they come to the argument from several angles. They show the illogical history of pot prohibition. They show the illogical response to athletes who are criticized for mild marijuana use compared to the accepted alcohol culture in professional sports. (They even suggest that advertising/sponsorships by beer companies plays a part in these responses.) They wonder why binge drinking on campuses seems to be a rite of passage while small amounts of pot use become grounds for suspension. But their most persuasive arguments deal with the comparison of the effects of alcohol to the effects of marijuana use both individually and socially.
After reading this book, it is difficult for anybody to objectively support the notion that marijuana should continue to be illegal. But it continues to be illegal and while the authors suggest several things that readers can do to advance the cause, they are up against one huge obstacle (that they try to address). Where is the political will to make the necessary changes?
I am from the generation that popularized marijuana use in the '60s. That generation wields the most power politically as the vast majority of politicians right now come from the boomer generation. That generation also wields the most power in the voting booth as we are more likely to vote. Yet, when a younger politician like a Justin Trudeau suggests that marijuana should be legalized, he is demonized by those older than he is as some drugged out hippie.
On top of that, legalizing marijuana isn't really a game changing issue that would encourage someone to vote differently in an election. So for most political parties and politicians it becomes a no win situation, very little to gain and a lot more to lose.
I am assuming that success or failure of the decision of the voters in Washington and Colorado to legalize marijuana will determine whether other jurisdictions will make the change.
April 27, 2014
While I have no dog in this fight and my life will not change in any significant way if (WHEN) marijuana is legalized, I really enjoyed this book and am glad to have plenty of evidence to support legalization. A few of the chapters in the middle were preaching to the choir, as I don't believe marijuana is unsafe and I am already aware of the racist implications of the "war of drugs." But, comparing marijuana to alcohol made many of the arguments much more clear; for example, upwards to 70% of domestic violence occurs after consuming alcohol, while marijuana is linked to barely any incidents.
It's also mind-boggling how our society pushes people to drink despite the numerous health issues that accompany alcohol abuse (not to mention domestic violence, fights, property destruction, and sexual assault). For example, the public shaming of Michael Phelps after a photo was taken with a bong forced him to apologize, yet there is an "official beer" of the Olympics.
So many people have bought into the notion that marijuana is bad- for you, for society, for children- that convincing them of the truth is the biggest step. THe second edition includes information about Colorado in 2012 and the amount of work that went into the campaign to legalize marijuana. It's really a no brainer, and I look forward to reading more about how legalization plays out in Colorado and Washington. Hopefully these two states can demonstrate the positives and push other states to do the same.
It's also mind-boggling how our society pushes people to drink despite the numerous health issues that accompany alcohol abuse (not to mention domestic violence, fights, property destruction, and sexual assault). For example, the public shaming of Michael Phelps after a photo was taken with a bong forced him to apologize, yet there is an "official beer" of the Olympics.
So many people have bought into the notion that marijuana is bad- for you, for society, for children- that convincing them of the truth is the biggest step. THe second edition includes information about Colorado in 2012 and the amount of work that went into the campaign to legalize marijuana. It's really a no brainer, and I look forward to reading more about how legalization plays out in Colorado and Washington. Hopefully these two states can demonstrate the positives and push other states to do the same.
March 12, 2010
This well-written book systematically breaks down the flawed drug laws of this country, in which a substance that is demonstrably worse for the individual and society is not only legal but celebrated, while a safer substance is arbitrarily deemed illegal and its users vilified whether criminally or via an unfounded social stigma.
It thoroughly explores and compares the effects of alcohol and marijuana, details the expensive burden of marijuana prohibition on our country's legal system, and highlights the enormous economic gain that would come with the legalizing, regulating, and taxing of marijuana. By prohibiting pot and glorifying alcohol, our society pushes people to drink, leading to problems of addiction, violence, sexual assault, severe health effects, and other ills for the individual and society at large.
For me, this book was preaching to the choir but it was great to get armed with facts, statistics, and history to back up what I already knew - when it comes to recreational substance use, marijuana is a better, smarter option than alcohol.
It thoroughly explores and compares the effects of alcohol and marijuana, details the expensive burden of marijuana prohibition on our country's legal system, and highlights the enormous economic gain that would come with the legalizing, regulating, and taxing of marijuana. By prohibiting pot and glorifying alcohol, our society pushes people to drink, leading to problems of addiction, violence, sexual assault, severe health effects, and other ills for the individual and society at large.
For me, this book was preaching to the choir but it was great to get armed with facts, statistics, and history to back up what I already knew - when it comes to recreational substance use, marijuana is a better, smarter option than alcohol.
September 14, 2009
This book was startlingly good. I picked it up expecting a pure libertarian argument and was overwhelmed by the coherence and rigor of the authors' central argument: Because marijuana is far safer than alcohol, many lives will be saved (and improved) when we legalize marijuana. We should make it available to all adults and encourage many of them to choose it over alcohol.
The numbers on deaths (and injuries) from alcohol, including sexual assaults, were really quite starting. The correlation between alcohol and violence is as strong as it is weak for marijuana.
A good question the authors asked: If you were walking down the street at night with a friend, would you prefer to encounter a group of men who had been drinking or a group of guys who had been smoking marijuana?
Overall, highly recommended.
The numbers on deaths (and injuries) from alcohol, including sexual assaults, were really quite starting. The correlation between alcohol and violence is as strong as it is weak for marijuana.
A good question the authors asked: If you were walking down the street at night with a friend, would you prefer to encounter a group of men who had been drinking or a group of guys who had been smoking marijuana?
Overall, highly recommended.
February 23, 2013
I have a habit of going through non-fiction books half way and then getting side tracked by a new one I see on the library shelf. Such was the case with this one, though I would highly recommend it to someone looking for inspiration for a paper on the subject, or someone looking to shape future public policy. This book emphasizes the fact that there is growing support for legalization from members of law enforcement organizations, a fact which may eventually play a key role in determining marijuana's legal future. Also addressed are the numerous studies showing that while alcohol often plays a role in cases of violent crime - particularly domestic abuse and assault - marijuana rarely does.
May 22, 2014
This book was suprisingly good. I was a little leary at first, but the information is organized and well presented. The theme of the book is simply - marijuana is safer. It's an in depth look at the differences between weed and alcohol.
The ideas presented evidently work as this was the basis on the reform to legalize marijuana in Colorado. The authors break down myths on weed and explore the benefits of making a less harmful than alcohol substance available legally for adults.
A compelling read that supporters of legalization will find interesting, but more importantly, those on the fence or opposed to legalization need to read this book so that they are at least making an informed decision.
The ideas presented evidently work as this was the basis on the reform to legalize marijuana in Colorado. The authors break down myths on weed and explore the benefits of making a less harmful than alcohol substance available legally for adults.
A compelling read that supporters of legalization will find interesting, but more importantly, those on the fence or opposed to legalization need to read this book so that they are at least making an informed decision.
July 16, 2011
This is a great reference for both "the converted," and parents who worry that legalization and regulation of cannabis will lead to increased usage among teens. In today's climate of marijuana prohibition, your average American teen can acquire pot faster than a Domino's pizza. "Drug dealers don't card."
At the core of this book is a persuasive argument, and a challenge to our society, which is to recognize the prevalent hypocrisy on the war against drugs, and acknowledge that one of the most dangerous drugs, alcohol, is legal. Or as the late Bill Hicks said, "... it's OK if you DRINK your drug!."
At the core of this book is a persuasive argument, and a challenge to our society, which is to recognize the prevalent hypocrisy on the war against drugs, and acknowledge that one of the most dangerous drugs, alcohol, is legal. Or as the late Bill Hicks said, "... it's OK if you DRINK your drug!."
September 4, 2009
Paul's a friend, and I didn't really need any convincing, but I still found this to be a fascinating book, with an incredibly important message. I think their policy argument - that the best way to approach legalization is to stick to the message that MJ is safer than alcohol - to be particularly interesting, especially the results that the campaign had in Colorado.
If you have any interest in the topic at all, I recommend this book, and if you feel like you need some convincing, talk to me.
If you have any interest in the topic at all, I recommend this book, and if you feel like you need some convincing, talk to me.
July 28, 2012
The book presents facts and studies indicating that, unlike alcohol, marijuana use seldom results in the kind of aggressive and abusive behavior associated with drinking alcohol. It explains how people can wind up with serious criminal records that will effect the rest of their lives for possession of small amounts of marijuana, but are able to drink heavily with no legal reprecussions. Thus, people concerned about the public results of their actions will forgo marijuana for alcohol for recreational use after a hard days work. Well-documented sources are provided for the issues presented.
July 7, 2010
A must-read! This excellent book is extremely well-written, well-researched, and well-documented. Check it out... it may just change your mind about marijuana, or give you the facts to advocate for what you already knew to be true: marijuana IS a safer choice than alcohol. Rather than adding another vice, marijuana legalization could provide a safer alternative to alcohol, helping ameliorate some of the many societal ills caused by booze.
October 26, 2010
Nothing new for marijuana enthusiasts, but a must read for all the people brainwashed by the stigma our society has attached to pot. Citing studies, Marijuana is Safer proves that if any substance should be banned between alcohol and marijuana, it's alcohol, not that the authors would want it to be banned. They understand that not only is marijuana use mush safer for individuals and society as a whole than alcohol but prohibition doesn't work.
September 22, 2010
I think this is a must-read for everyone in today's society, but especially anyone who consumes any drug, whether it be alcohol, caffeine or marijuana. Its not as pushy as you'd think and offers a lot of history and facts, with the real political push saved till the end. Just read it with an open mind and really consider the message.
December 24, 2009
This book provides many convincing arguments for the the legalization of marijuana. The authors have compiled an informative yet easy to understand resource for those looking to gain an understanding on the issue, or for marijuana advocates that wish to improve their debating skills. The final chapter outlines several ways for marijuana supporters to get involved in their communities.
February 18, 2024
Excellent comparison, makes a compelling argument. Lots of information, references a plethora of sources. I encourage all to read, but especially those in the mental health & substance abuse therapy realm. Shocking how long change takes, there was a study on cannabis done in '72 that called for decriminalization & reclassification from schedule I to schedule III. 1972! Great read.
December 20, 2011
Even for the non-smoker (myself), it makes a great point regarding the damaging effects on alcohol. As I drink a glass of wine and type this, maybe alcohol needs more regulation than a bit o' reefer.
October 4, 2012
This book changed something inside me. It brought light on things that we feel the government does in our favor but there are very sinister and vested motives behind those actions. I just would recommend people to have a read just to listen to the opposition once.
September 2, 2009
Got this during the Amazon drug-policy book-bomb. I'm hoping it doesn't drag down alcohol to make its (good) point about MJ.
October 15, 2009
which one do you think is worse?
December 1, 2009
Fabulous book!!! Easy to read and very well done. A must read book. Makes me hopeful that positive change can happen.
June 28, 2017
If you can only read one book on ending marijuana prohibition, this is the one. Highly accessible, incredibly thoroughly, and pleasantly practical.
March 20, 2014
Alcohol is so very destructive to our health and community safety. This book convinced me to moderate my drinking habit. Really turns you off to alcohol, especially drinking too much.
September 12, 2016
Interesting read supporting the legalization in Colorado.
January 27, 2022
Important read to clear the misconceptions.
August 8, 2015
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews