With the legalization of recreational cannabis in some states, many people, especially folks who have little to no experience with cannabis, are starting to wonder if it’s a better alternative to alcoholic beverages.

As of November 2020, 15 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational cannabis for adults over the age of 21. As the stigmas around cannabis fade, more people are realizing that it might actually be a better option for them. Now, maybe we’re a little biased, but we wanted to weigh in on this topic and share some of the benefits of using cannabis over alcohol. If you’re new to cannabis or still trying to decide whether or not you want to give it a try, this might help.

Is it Time to Ditch the Drinks?

Alcohol has long been the go-to for things like socializing, relaxing after work, dealing with stress, letting loose on the weekend, and all that. When it comes to drinking, people have so many options to choose from depending on their preferences and with the rise of craft beers, micro brews, and small batches, it’s easier than ever to cater drinking to your own personal tastes and moods. But if you’re wondering, “Should I drink or smoke weed?” consider the many negative effects of alcohol that folks just put up with as part of the deal: hangovers that sometimes last for days; steep prices in stores and bars; physical and emotional health concerns; long-term effects; and so on. We think cannabis is a better way to go. Cannabis use can also be catered to personal tastes and moods but in a much more personalized way and without all the negative effects that come with alcohol.

Cannabis Catered to You

Like alcohol, cannabis can be enjoyed in many ways – you can find the best match for your body, mind, and lifestyle. So, what are the benefits of cannabis? Well, it can do a lot more than just help you unwind. Some strains can boost energy, help you stay focused and concentrate better, or spark inspiration and creativity without making you loopy. Other forms can help ease stress and anxiety, relax a racing mind, or help improve sleep quality – not just make you fall asleep faster like alcohol. Whatever your need or mood, you can usually find the right cannabis option with help from your local budtender.

Not All Cannabis is the Same

New users often ask: “What are the side effects of cannabis?” That’s a tricky question because cannabis is more about individual preference and tolerance. What may work for a friend may not be a good choice for you. Some people prefer one strain over another, or edible forms over smokables. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you don’t have experience. The good news is you don’t have to just pick products at random and hope for the best. An experienced budtender can point you in the right direction. We’ve certainly got you covered. Our budtenders work every day with new and often inexperienced users. They’ll talk to you a bit to understand what you’re looking for and make recommendations for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Try Something New

Cannabis can be a wonderful alternative to alcohol as more and more people are beginning to discover. Keep in mind, like alcohol, using cannabis responsibly is a huge part of enjoying the experience. If you’re thinking about making the switch from alcohol to cannabis, talk to us. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a long-time user, come on in. We can answer questions and give practical advice to help guide your cannabis journey. If you’d like more learning opportunities or to be more involved in our local cannabis community, check out our Canna Co-op. We’d love to have you.