New Research Suggests Marijuana Is 114 Times Safer Than Alcohol

You, with the joint, keep on blazing. A recently published study shows you're far less likely to die from marijuana use than from alcohol, tobacco or more serious drugs.

New research published in Scientific Reports used a margin of exposure comparison – a ratio of the level at which the substance has negative effects compared to average human intake of it – to compare the level of danger associated with substances ranging from alcohol to ecstasy.

The team found, relative to substances similarly used, the THC in marijuana is extremely low risk, especially when compared to alcohol.

By the team's (and the Washington Post's) calculations, in fact, weed is about 114 times less likely to kill you than tequila.

However, it's important to note the study considers only the drugs' risks of mortality, not a once-a-week glass of wine.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

But, before smoking every ounce of marijuana you can find, a note of caution: Just because marijuana won't kill you, doesn't mean it's all sunshine and daisies.

Many still argue THC inhibits memory and contributes to a lowered sex drive, among other side effects.

The fact is this: No substance is helpful to the human body when used in excess. Make responsible decisions, and your health will thank you.

And the team didn't research marijuana just for fun, either. It hopes, as a consequence of its work, governments and agencies will prioritize the regulation of high-risk substances like alcohol over its low-risk fellows.

Citations: Marijuana may be even safer than previously thought, researchers say (Washington Post)