TL;DR Weed and alcohol in moderation are both fine. Alcohol in excess is far worse in the short-term.<p>Grandparent sounds like they might not be a drinker. Fair enough, I have no issue with that, but - as you point out - there is a whole world between being teetotal and being drunk. The stereotype (which, yes, also goes for weed) is that one swig of a drink turns you into a staggering, vomiting wreck. In actuality, the mast majority of drinking (that I have experience of, anyway) is in moderation, with a meal, and results in a pleasant relaxed feeling which is totally unlike being drunk.<p>Weed, actually, is different - again, IME - in that the effects aren&#x27;t quite so wide-ranging. Now, I&#x27;ve not experimented with <i>really</i> strong strains&#x2F;forms, nor smoked an <i>insane</i> amount in one sitting, but a small amount has a very pleasant effect, and - for me - a greater amount doesn&#x27;t really change it that much. I prefer to smoke in moderation, have a great time, and spend as little as possible.<p>I have never done anything I&#x27;ve regretted under the influence of marijuana, nor have I injured myself, embarrassed myself in public, or woken up the next day feeling even slightly bad, let alone like I want to stay in bed for a week. Apart from the legal status (here in the UK), MJ is a far superior drug in every way.