Alcohol & Cannabis: 60% of Cannabis Users Say It Helps Them Drink Less

Can cannabis help reduce alcohol consumption and related health risks? This question arises after reading the findings of a new study conducted on a group of over 23,000 respondents from New Zealand. 

The initial results indicate that 60% of people who use both cannabis and alcohol report a decrease in their alcohol consumption after using cannabis. This finding opens new perspectives for public health policy, particularly in the context of potential cannabis legalization as a tool for reducing health risks.

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Study Context and Methodology

The study on alcohol consumption and cannabis was based on the analysis of responses from 23,500 respondents from New Zealand who participated in an anonymous online survey. The survey was promoted through social media, helping to achieve a diverse and large study group. Respondents were asked about their use of cannabis and alcohol, as well as eight other substances such as tobacco, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, and synthetic cannabinoids. Data analysis included the impact of cannabis on the use of these substances—both as a substitute and as a potential factor in increased consumption.

The study aimed to understand whether cannabis users reduce their use of other substances and under what circumstances cannabis might serve a harm-reduction function. Notably, the study included a broad demographic range—from youth to adults and seniors—allowing for a more comprehensive view of the dynamics between substances like alcohol and other drugs with cannabis.

Key Findings About Alcohol

The most important takeaway from the study is that 60% of cannabis users report a decrease in alcohol consumption associated with cannabis use. Specifically, young adults aged 21–35 were more likely to report using cannabis as a substitute compared to older age groups.

In addition to alcohol, respondents also reported reducing their consumption of other substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids (60%), morphine (44%), and methamphetamine (40%). This suggests that cannabis could have broader applications as a substitute for certain addictive substances, opening up avenues for research on its use in addiction treatment.

The Influence of Demographics and Lifestyle on Alcohol Substitution Patterns

The study’s findings suggest that demographics and lifestyle play a significant role in how cannabis is used as a substitute. Demographic analysis showed that factors like age, gender, ethnicity, and residence influence decisions to replace alcohol with cannabis.

• Age: Younger adults (21–35 years) were much more likely to treat cannabis as a substitute for alcohol. Younger generations appear more open to experimenting with substances and view cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol.
• Gender: Men were more likely than women to report a decrease in alcohol consumption due to cannabis use. This may be because men often consume alcohol in social and recreational settings, where cannabis may serve as a healthier choice.
• Ethnic Groups: The Māori group stood out for reporting a decrease in alcohol and other substance consumption. Research suggests that for this ethnic group, using cannabis instead of alcohol may serve as a way to reduce the negative health effects associated with alcohol.
• Residence: People living in cities were less likely to report that cannabis reduced their alcohol consumption. This may be due to easier access to alcohol in urban areas and a culture of nightlife.

Cannabis’s Role as an Alcohol Harm-Reduction Tool

Cannabis can be considered a substitute for alcohol, supporting the idea of harm reduction. Harm reduction aims to limit the negative health effects of substance use without requiring complete abstinence. In the context of alcohol, cannabis may reduce the risk of liver damage, heart disease, and other health problems related to alcohol abuse.

Research suggests that cannabis, unlike alcohol, poses a lower risk of physical addiction and has less severe side effects, making its use a potentially safer alternative. Of course, cannabis itself also has side effects, but for many users, it represents a lower risk than alcohol.

Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Other Substances

The study revealed an interesting relationship between cannabis and other substances, which may be key for public health policy. Here are the main observations:

• Tobacco: 22% of users reported that cannabis use increased their tobacco consumption. This may be because cannabis is often smoked with tobacco, creating a risk of dual addiction.
• Methamphetamine: 40% of users reported that cannabis reduced their methamphetamine consumption. This finding may be significant for the treatment of people addicted to stronger substances.
• MDMA and LSD: Most respondents claimed that cannabis did not affect their use of these substances. This likely results from the differences in the effects of psychedelics and cannabis, which have different purposes and applications.

Conclusions and Policy Implications For Cannabis and Alcohol

The study’s findings suggest that cannabis legalization could positively impact reducing alcohol consumption and related health risks. Users who choose cannabis may reduce the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, providing a significant argument for policymakers considering cannabis law reform.

The analysis also suggests that public health policy should consider demographic differences and focus on groups that may benefit from substitution. Education on the health benefits of reducing alcohol consumption in favor of cannabis could help promote healthier choices, especially among younger adults.

Cannabis and Alcohol — Summary

The study provides intriguing data on cannabis and alcohol use patterns. The finding that 60% of respondents reduce their alcohol consumption thanks to cannabis suggests potential health benefits and opens new perspectives for harm-reduction strategies. With increasing interest in cannabis legalization worldwide, such studies contribute valuable insights into the future of public health policy.

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(Featured image by Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels)

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