alcohol

Like Drinking, You Shouldn’t Consume Marijuana And Drive

Published

1 month ago

October 8, 2024

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The old guard is still working hard to bring back the War on Drugs – state by state.

Since the arrival of Uber and Lyft, drunk driving has slowly started to decrease. Researchers estimate ridesharing was responsible for a 6.1% overall reduction in traffic fatalities and a reduction in alcohol-related within four years after their launch. Drunk driving became illegal in 1988 when the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was fully implemented. But in today’s world, drinking is slowly losing favor to using cannabis. But like drinking, you shouldn’t consume marijuana and drive.

While smell and breathalyzer tests have been effective for alcohol, technology has not fully caught up with cannabis. But that shouldn’t be a reason to skate the issue and try to drive eif stoned. Cannabis use can significantly impair driving ability and increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. While the effects are generally less severe than those of alcohol, cannabis still poses dangers to road safety that drivers should take seriously.

The Surprising Effect Marijuana Legalization Has On Police Traffic Searches — Photo by kali9/Getty Images

While both substances impair driving, there are some key differences. Cannabis users tend to drive more cautiously and slowly compared to drunk drivers. The impairment is usually more subtle and shorter-lasting than alcohol impairment.

But marijuana alone affects several key skills required for safe driving:

Slowed reaction time: Cannabis use delays a driver’s ability to respond quickly to sudden changes on the road.
Impaired coordination: Motor skills and hand-eye coordination become diminished.
Distorted perception: Cannabis can alter depth perception and time awareness.
Reduced attention: Users may have difficulty focusing on driving tasks and maintaining lane position

The level of impairment tends to be dose-dependent, with higher THC doses leading to greater driving impairment and crash risk

Driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis is illegal in all U.S. states, even where cannabis use is otherwise legal. But unlike alcohol, there is no universally accepted blood THC level indicating impairment, making enforcement challenging. Research and both for private companies and governments are figuring out ways to gauge impairment with cannabis.

Combining cannabis and alcohol leads to significantly higher levels of impairment than either substance alone.

The end of the story, is be care and keep other in mind when you think about getting behind the wheel.

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Science Says Cannabis Can Be Making Us Healthier

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

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As it it becomes available to more people, there is a positive health change going on according to data.

Cannabis is becoming more mainstream and and the side effects are doing even better than expected. It seems the availability of legal marijuana is helping with the health of the general population. Studies in California, Canada and the now New Zealand have shown the upside of legalization. While cannabis has been used for health benefits for millions of years, reduction in more harmful intoxication products is another important wellness trend.

Alcohol consumption is associated with significant health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers. In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 36,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to chronic alcohol use, while there is no comparable category for marijuana-related deaths. Alcohol is also much more addictive than marijuana, causing long term physical and mental issues.

A study from New Zealand has found some interesting trends regarding the relationship between marijuana legalization and the consumption of alcohol and opioids.

heart cannabis — Photo by megaflopp/Getty Images

Following the legalization of marijuana in New Zealand, researchers observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption:

There was a 6-9% decrease in the frequency of binge drinking among adults aged 21 and older.
The study found no significant impact on underage drinking rates among those aged 12-20.

This suggests for adults, marijuana may be serving as a substitute for alcohol in some cases, particularly when it comes to heavy drinking episodes.

The relationship between marijuana legalization and opioid use appears more complex:

There was no clear evidence of marijuana legalization directly reducing opioid use or abuse.
However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users.
The likelihood of transitioning from opioid use to opioid use disorders among cannabis users was found to be 2.52 times higher than non-cannabis users.

The study also revealed some additional findings regarding substance use patterns:

Marijuana use increased by 16% among adults aged 21 and older following legalization.
There was a 5-6% increase in marijuana use initiation among adolescents and young adults aged 12-20. This would be go with the greater North American trend of California sober and Gen Z drifting away from alcohol and more into marijuana.
No significant changes were observed in the use of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin in any age group.

These findings suggest while marijuana legalization may lead to decreased alcohol consumption among adults, it does not necessarily translate to reduced use of other substances, particularly opioids. The relationship between cannabis use and other substance use behaviors is complex and multifaceted. Time and more research should yield more benefits.

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Try These Delicious Autumn Cream Drinks

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

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Want something delicious with an “oomph” – these yummy creamy concoctions will make your mouth happy!

Fall is a time of coziness, cuffing and nights in front of the fire. Want better way to accent it with a nice tasty cocktail? Try these delicious autumn cream drinks and enjoy the pre-holiday season. Bailey’s was the commercial first cream liquor and made available to the public in 1971. But Irish monks have blended whiskey with fresh dairy cream since the 14th century. These new and classic connections will bring a smile on crisp nights.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Important note, using cream instead of milk in alcoholic cocktails can significantly enhance the drink’s texture, flavor, and overall experience. Cream provides a richer and smoother texture compared to milk. The higher fat content in cream (typically around 36% or more) creates a luxurious mouthfeel that can elevate the drinking experience.

White Russian

The White Russian’s development took about 30 years. The first mention of the drink is in a newspaper was in 1965 in the Oakland Tribune. The 1961 edition of the Diner’s Club Drink Book included a recipe for a Black Russian, with a note suggesting adding cream to make a White Russian. The White Russian’s popularity increased after the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, drinks it throughout the film.

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlúa
1 ounce heavy cream

Create

Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice
Top with the heavy cream and stir

Churro Cocktails

A churro is a fried dough pastry originated in Spain and Portugal. They are a fast-growing dessert and breakfast item on menus, and are a popular treat at theme parks and sporting events in Europe and North and South America. Somrus, who makes cream liquors, made a cocktail from the flavor.

Ingredients

1 1/2 parts Somrus Coffee
1/2 part cinnamon whiskey

Create

In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake
Strain and pour

Brandy Alexander

This is was a classic “go to drink” for X. It was rumored to have been created at the Paris Ritz in 1922. Or it could have been made in 1915 by celebrate pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander during a World Series. It was considered a posh way to end the evening, especially after other cocktails.It’s creamy and boozy or a delicious replacement for dessert for those who like to drink their sweets. In the 2000s, it has moved to the back of the line, but is still a great way to cap off a night drinking.

1 1/2 ounces cognac
1 ounce dark creme de cacao
1 ounce cream
Grated nutmeg for garnish

Create

Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Mango Fizz

For those who are holding on to every last bit of summer, this mango cocktail can add a a little sunshine. The fruit is considered the world’s most popular fruit with over 20 million tons consumed each year. Mangoes are a symbol of friendship and love, which can add to special evening.

Ingredients

2 parts Somrus Mango
1 part citrus vodka
½ part simple syrup
Club soda

Create

Combine Mango liqueur, vodka and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker
Shake vigorously
Strain into ice-filled glass
Top with club soda

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Is An Old Fashioned Or A Gummy Healthier

Published

3 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

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Cocktails, beers, vapes, and gummies are all staples of social gathers – but is the cocktails or the vape better?

Alcohol has long consistent hold on society. Having been part of India, the Middle East and more, it has played a part in medicine, religion, intimacy and recreation for thousands of year. Yet alcohol has become the modern accepted intoxicant. But is an old fashioned or a gummy healthier in today’s world? Moderation is the key for both, but science comes down clearly on one side.

Cannabis and alcohol are two of the most widely used recreational substances, but their health impacts differ significantly. While neither is without risks, research suggests that cannabis may be the healthier option overall when used responsibly.

Alcohol consumption carries substantial health risks, especially with heavy or long-term use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol use leads to approximately 88,000 deaths annually in the United States. Alcohol is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and increased cancer risk. It can also exacerbate mental health issues and contribute to accidents and violence

Cannabis, on the other hand, has a lower risk profile. There have been no reported deaths from marijuana overdose, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. While smoking cannabis can have negative effects on lung health, alternative consumption methods like gummies, tinctures and oils avoid this risk. Cannabis is also less addictive than alcohol, with about 9% of users becoming dependent compared to 23% for alcohol.

Both substances impair cognitive function and motor skills in the short term. However, alcohol tends to have more severe immediate effects, including the risk of alcohol poisoning. Cannabis typically does not cause the intense hangover effects associated with alcohol use.

Moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, according to some studies. However, cannabis has shown promise in pain management and as a potential alternative to more dangerous opioid medications. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that researchers continue to explore.

While both substances carry risks, the available evidence suggests that cannabis is likely the healthier choice when compared to alcohol. It has a lower risk of overdose, less severe long-term health consequences, and potentially more medical applications. However, it’s crucial to note that the healthiest option is always moderation or abstinence from both substances.

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