Health Problems Caused by Alcohol

Answer: Let the Department of Health and Human Services Make Our Argument For Us!

When we started Green Monké Happy Sodas in 2020, my co-founder Jen Robinson (JR) Lockwood and I had the same vision: we wanted to use cannabinoids to make great-tasting alcohol alternatives. With the help of many people (in the early days, notably, Mike Turner and Maryan Zalusky) our vision became a reality, with the best part being that by December of 2021 (when we launched in Canada), JR and I could enjoy our own pops!

Probably the biggest disagreement that JR and I have had, both in the early days and continuing to the present, is “To what extent should we talk about the negative effects of alcohol use?” Tragically, I saw 20-year old friends who drank away their potential careers and relationships, and two 30-year old colleagues, who drank themselves to death. And this was before social media; I cannot imagine the additional stresses and issues caused by having video of your most out-of-control moments made public! Moreover, I have seen the numbers that show the annual medical bills and economic costs associated with excessive alcohol consumption in the U.S. roughly equal U.S. annual alcohol sales, which is a very sad coincidence.  

I think we should lean into the benefits of drinking hemp derived THC as compared to the harms associated with alcohol consumption.

JR’s counterargument is that not enough research has been done to definitively state that cannabinoid use does not have its own negative effects and that addiction is also a severe concern with THC use.

In its recommendation to reschedule cannabis (“marijuana” is their wording), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) not only made my argument for me but made it much more forcefully and more scientifically than I ever could. The HHS conducted a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with alcohol use, recognizing it as a significant contributor to morbidity, mortality, and societal burdens in the United States. Its report highlights the pervasive harms of alcohol use, and made critical observations showing the need for proactive measures to address this pressing public health issue.

HHS made the following key points regarding the harms of alcohol use and their implications for individuals and communities.

Adverse Health Outcomes

On some level, we are all aware of the severe negative health effects of excessive alcohol consumption. However, it is troubling when you see a list of the serious adverse effects and their prevalence. The HHS identified a wide range of adverse health outcomes linked to alcohol consumption, spanning from injuries (caused by everything lack of coordination to drunk driving) to chronic conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Economic and Social Impact

In addition to the physical and medical consequences, the HHS underscored the significant economic and social impact of alcohol misuse on society. HHS highlighted the financial costs incurred by healthcare systems, employers, and taxpayers because of alcohol-related healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and resources required to be spent on law enforcement efforts. Moreover, HHS emphasized the social ramifications of alcohol abuse, including family disruption, domestic violence, and crime, which exact a toll on individuals, families, and communities.

Vulnerable Populations

The HHS also drew attention to the disproportionate impact of alcohol use on vulnerable populations, including adolescents, young adults, and individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. Recognizing the heightened susceptibility of these groups to the adverse effects of alcohol misuse.

Conclusion

Reading the significant and prevalent harms caused by excessive alcohol use, I don’t feel great about winning my argument with JR.