The Surgeon General is urging a warning label be placed on alcohol...

[Mosby]

1. Pot's not exactly a safe drug.

Maybe it's better than alcohol, but that's not saying much.

And benzos?

Overdose
Benzodiazepines can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol or other depressants can increase the risk of overdose.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be severe, long-lasting, and debilitating. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for stopping benzodiazepines.

Cognitive impairment
Benzodiazepines can impair thinking and memory, and contribute to motor vehicle collisions.

Physical dependence
Benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence, which is a physiological effect that occurs in all people.
Increased mortality. Benzodiazepines are associated with increased mortality.

Falls and fractures
In older people, benzodiazepines can reduce mobility and increase the risk of falls and fractures.

Pregnancy
Benzodiazepines are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as they are associated with pre-term delivery, low birth weight, and potential birth defects.

Other conditions
Benzodiazepines may be dangerous for people with acute asthma, emphysema, sleep apnea, advanced liver or kidney disease, or a history of substance use disorders.