A recent article published by Verywell and authored by Fran Kritz examined and compared the risks of consuming alcohol and cannabis. According to research studies, more Americans now use cannabis daily than drink alcohol every day. While public attitudes toward cannabis have shifted dramatically over the past decade, and some perceive cannabis to be safer than alcohol, health experts say both cannabis and alcohol carry health risks that people are often unaware of.

“Because [cannabis] is legal in so many states, and alcohol is so widely available, people have a false sense of either being safe,” said Dr. Gail D’Onofrio, a professor of emergency medicine and epidemiology at the Yale School of Medicine.

Consuming cannabis has been shown to carry health risks, particularly for the heart. Specifically, a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Heart found that cannabis users have a 20% higher risk of stroke and are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular causes. While these findings do not prove causation, experts stress the importance of assessing cannabis use in patients and educating them about potential risks, similar to how tobacco and alcohol use are addressed.

“It’s so important that we mitigate the harms these substances can cause, and talking to your doctor about your use can give you the opportunity to discuss safety and health issues,” said Jacci Bainbridge, vice chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, in her interview with Verywell.

While some people use cannabis instead of alcohol for its psychoactive effects, both have associated health risks, and there’s no conclusive evidence that one is safer. Moreover, recent research shows even light drinking carries risks, and in January, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colorectal.

Furthermore, research shows that using cannabis before the age of 25 years may also harm the developing brain, potentially affecting memory, attention, and decision-making areas. Today’s cannabis is much more potent than in the past, according to Dr. Ziva Cooper of UCLA. New products like edibles, drinks, and especially gummies often contain high levels of THC, the main compound responsible for the “high.” “The gummies, for example, can take as long as an hour and a half to have an effect, but people expecting a quick hit may take more, impacting the effects and even landing in the emergency room,” Dr. Cooper said.