Spring break is a high-energy ritual, and for many travelers it comes with decisions about alcohol, cannabis, or both. The two substances are often treated as interchangeable, yet their risks, legal status, and travel rules differ in meaningful ways. Here’s a balanced guide to help readers choose safely—and avoid the traps that turn a vacation into a headache.

First, alcohol remains the bigger public health burden. The CDC estimates excessive drinking contributes to roughly 178,000 U.S. deaths each year, and binge drinking is the most common form of excessive use. Those harms show up on the road, too: NHTSA reports 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2023, about 30% of all traffic fatalities. These numbers underscore why transportation, campus, and beach towns increase enforcement around party weeks.

Among college-age travelers, alcohol has long dominated spring break culture. A research snapshot found roughly 70% of students reported drinking during spring break, with many reporting five or more drinking days—a pattern that raises the odds of injuries, arrests, and unplanned emergencies. Even if that study is older, it maps closely to what health agencies still flag as the most common excessive-use pattern today.

Cannabis presents a different risk profile. While fatal overdose is not the chief concern, impairment is. CDC guidance notes cannabis slows reaction time, coordination, and perception, and after alcohol, it is the substance most often associated with impaired driving. SAMHSA and the CDC both say the safest plan is not to drive after using any alcohol or cannabis—period. Enforcement is rising for drug-impaired driving as states refine testing and per se laws.

Edibles deserve special attention on beach days. Because THC edibles absorb slowly, effects can take one to two hours to peak and last longer than smoking; that delay can lead people to “stack” doses and feel unwell later in the day or at night. Public health advisories also note labeling and potency can be inconsistent, increasing the risk of accidental overconsumption. Start low, go slow, and never mix with driving or boating.

Legally, the two substances diverge most when travel begins. Buying and using alcohol is generally legal for adults 21+ across the U.S., though open-container rules vary locally. Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level and cannot be carried across state lines or onto flights; airports and planes are federal jurisdictions, and TSA reiterates that marijuana and many infused products are prohibited regardless of state law. For international trips, even some CBD products can be illegal if they contain any THC; check destination rules before you go.

So which is “safer” during spring break? It depends on the activity and your plan. Alcohol carries clearer links to violence, injuries, and fatal crashes, especially at high doses and in groups. Cannabis, particularly in edible form, can sneak up on timing and intensity and impair driving even when users feel “okay.” For either substance, mixing with heat, dehydration, or sleep loss magnifies problems. If you partake, pair every drink or dose with water, eat before and during, stick with trusted friends, and set a hard stop before the night gets messy.

Finally, remember the simplest rule: vacations are optional, consequences aren’t. If you intend to drive, boat, or operate scooters, the safest choice is no alcohol or cannabis. If you fly, leave cannabis at home and purchase legally at your destination only where local law allows, following all public-use restrictions. A little planning keeps the “break” in spring break from becoming the kind you regret. Enjoy the sun, respect the laws, and take care of your crew.