Study: Adults Using Cannabis Drinks Report Drinking Less Alcohol
A growing body of research suggests that cannabis-infused beverages may help reduce alcohol consumption among adults, according to newly published findings in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
Researchers from State University of New York at Buffalo analyzed alcohol-use patterns among adults aged 18 and older who reported using cannabis within the past year. The study focused specifically on individuals who consume cannabis in beverage form.
Key Findings
Participants who used cannabis-infused drinks were significantly more likely to replace alcohol with cannabis compared to those who did not consume cannabis beverages. After introducing cannabis beverages into their routine, these individuals reported:
-
Fewer alcoholic drinks consumed per week
-
Reduced frequency of binge drinking
-
A higher likelihood of intentionally substituting cannabis for alcohol
The researchers noted that alcohol consumption declined after participants began using cannabis beverages, compared to their reported drinking levels beforehand.
Harm Reduction Potential
According to the study’s authors, the findings point to cannabis beverages as a potentially effective harm reduction tool. They concluded that substituting alcohol with cannabis may help lower alcohol-related risks and that beverage-based cannabis products could be especially useful for people seeking to reduce their alcohol intake without complete abstinence.
Consistent With Prior Research
These results align with several recent studies examining cannabis–alcohol substitution:
-
A September study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that alcohol intake dropped by roughly 25% after cannabis inhalation in a controlled laboratory setting.
-
A November study reported alcohol reductions of up to 27% following cannabis use.
-
A December analysis of patients enrolled in a Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) showed a decrease in average daily alcohol consumption after cannabis substitution was introduced.
Industry Perspective
Commenting on the findings, Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, said the growing consistency across studies reinforces the idea that legal cannabis can function as an alternative to alcohol for some consumers. He added that regulated cannabis markets may, in certain cases, reduce alcohol’s dominance in the broader substance-use landscape.
Have you been able to reduce your alcohol consumption thanks to cannabis? We’d love to know. Let us know in the comments.
Original Study
You can access the peer-reviewed study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41533430/
