St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and, for many, that means celebrating with friends. But before you raise your glass (or anything else), let’s talk about making choices that keep the night fun—and free from regrets. Misinformation about alcohol and cannabis can lead to risky decisions. We can help you break down some common myths and explore safer ways to celebrate.
Busting Common Myths About Alcohol & Cannabis
Myth #1: “I’m buzzed…BUT I CAN STILL HAVE A FEW MORE DRINKS AND BE OK”
Fact: It takes time to feel the alcohol you drank, and your body takes even longer to process it. Those extra drinks might not seem like much now, but they can sneak up on you, making you more impaired than you think.
Safer Choice: Pace your drinks and make each one last at least an hour. You’ll find you will still have lots of energy to have fun, with the added perk of remembering the night!
Myth #2: ‘You’re drunk, just go and sleep it off”
Fact: “Just sleep it off” sounds easy, but it doesn’t work. Sleeping won’t make someone sober up faster. In fact, their blood alcohol level can keep rising, which means things can go from bad to worse while someone is out cold.
If a friend passes out, they could be in danger. Slow breathing, being difficult to wake or cold, sweaty skin could mean alcohol poisoning—call for help right away. If you’re not familiar with the recovery position check out this video from St. John Ambulance.
Safer Choice: Stay with them and get help if needed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Myth #3: “I’ve only had a few, I’m good to drive”
Fact: Limiting your drinking can be a good way to pace yourself and cut down on how much alcohol you drink, but fewer drinks might not make you safe to drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your coordination, reaction time and judgement. Plus, not all drinks are created equal. A large glass of wine, a tall beer or a cocktail can contain more than one standard drink, meaning your blood alcohol level may be higher than you realize. Ontario also has zero tolerance laws for young, novice and commercial drivers.
Safer Choice: Have a designated driver or use public transit or a rideshare to get home safely.
Myth #4: “I Feel fine, driving after cannabis isn’t that bad”
Fact: Alcohol isn’t the only substance that decreases your ability to drive. You may think it’s fine to drive after using cannabis, but that’s not the case. Cannabis slows reaction time, affects coordination and impairs judgment, making driving dangerous—even if you don’t feel high. Cannabis impairment can last 6 or more hours when smoking or vaping. With edibles, it can last 12 or more hours. Even if you feel fine, some remaining effects and impairment can last for more than 24 hours (well after the other effects may have faded). There’s no exact way to know when it’s safe to drive.
Mixing cannabis with alcohol makes impairment worse and increases the risk even more.
Safer Choice: Plan ahead! Use a designated driver, rideshare or public transit.
Myth #5: “Mixing alcohol & cannabis gives you a better high”
Fact: Mixing alcohol with cannabis might seem like a way to intensify your experience, but it can actually leave you more impaired than expected. Alcohol helps your body absorb more THC (the chemical that causes the “high”) making the effects hit harder and faster, sometimes leading to dizziness, nausea or even “greening out” (aka, feeling awful).
Safer Choice: Stick to one substance at a time so you can better gauge how your body reacts. Whatever you choose to consume, skipping the mix is your best bet.
MYTH #6: “YOU NEED TO drink to have fun”
Fact: Not everyone drinks. In fact, many people either don’t drink at all or choose to do so in moderation. There are many reasons for someone to choose not to drink (or use cannabis), such as health, mental well-being or simply wanting to feel good in the morning. Still, social pressure can be intense, so having a plan can help. If you ever feel like saying “no thanks,” here are a few ways to do it with confidence:
“I’m in training—this body is a temple!”
Even if your “training” is just trying to wake up without a headache, this line works. People respect someone who’s focused on their health and goals.
“I’m already a vibe without it!”
Confidence is key! If someone offers you a drink or cannabis, just smile and say, “I’m already having a great time, no extras needed.” When you’re enjoying yourself, most people won’t question your choice.
“I want to be able to remember all of this tomorrow!”
Simple and effective. No one can argue with wanting to actually recall the fun you had.
Nothing
You don’t have to say anything at all. Hold a non-alcoholic drink like soda, pop, or even a glass of water, and most people won’t even notice you’re not drinking.
Safer Choice: Try using one of these responses or grab a non-alcoholic drink!
Want to Learn More?
For more information on alcohol, cannabis and how to stay safe, check out these resources:
Alcohol and Your Health
Cannabis and Your Health
Stay safe, have fun and make choices you’ll feel good about on the 17th!