Drinking alcohol can be just as much about socialization as it is intoxication. Sometimes, just holding a can at a gathering is a more important social crutch than the liquid inside.
According to the findings of a recent survey, cannabis-infused beverages may fit into a similar social context, with participants reporting lower alcohol consumption after they began using cannabis drinks.
Alcohol consumption comes with many health risks, such as a higher chance of cancer and heart disease. It can also lead to impaired driving, legal trouble, and injuries from being intoxicated. Public health efforts usually focus on reducing harm instead of pushing for total abstinence. While cannabis has been studied as a way to reduce opioid harm, there is still little research on whether it can help people drink less alcohol, especially when used in beverage form.
The survey was part of a study from the University at Buffalo, published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. The researchers wanted to see if cannabis-infused drinks could replace alcohol for some people. They looked at self-reported changes in drinking habits among people who already use cannabis.
Surveying Cannabis and Alcohol Use
The researchers surveyed 438 anonymous adults who had used cannabis at least once in the past year. Just over half of these participants also reported drinking alcohol. About one-third had tried cannabis drinks, usually having just one per occasion.
Participants who consumed cannabis beverages were more likely to report substituting cannabis for alcohol than those who used other forms of cannabis. Almost 59% of cannabis beverage users said they replaced alcohol with cannabis, compared to about 47% of those who used other cannabis products.
People who used cannabis drinks also reported changes in how much alcohol they drank. On average, they went from seven alcoholic drinks per week to three after starting cannabis beverages. They also said they binge-drank less often.
Overall, nearly two-thirds of cannabis beverage users said they had either reduced or completely stopped drinking alcohol. Only a small number reported consuming more alcohol.
Providing an Alternative Beverage
The researchers suggest that the method of cannabis consumption may help explain these differences. Cannabis drinks closely resemble alcoholic drinks in both appearance and social use. They often come packaged in cans similar to beer or hard seltzer and are usually enjoyed at parties or bars.
This resemblance could potentially make it easier for people to swap alcoholic beverages for cannabis beverages without changing their social habits. The authors state that simply having “a drink in hand” might meet the same social and behavioral needs, regardless of the drink.
These findings align with previous research showing that some cannabis users reduce alcohol consumption over time. However, the authors noticed this trend was stronger for people who used cannabis drinks than for those who used other cannabis products.
Looking Ahead
This study demonstrates how product design and social context can influence consumption behavior. The market research firm Euromonitor projects cannabis beverage sales to exceed $4 billion by 2028. As cannabis drinks become more common, learning more about their use and effects will be important for public health research.
The research team plans to explore cannabis beverage use over longer periods and to compare different methods of cannabis consumption more closely. Future research could also be used to determine if cannabis beverages could provide an alternative that could lead to a sustained decrease in alcohol-related harm.
For now, the findings suggest that when it comes to reducing alcohol use, the container may matter almost as much as what it contains.
Austin Burgess is a writer and researcher with a background in sales, marketing, and data analytics. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Data Analytics certification. His work combines analytical training with a focus on emerging science, aerospace, and astronomical research.