Cannabis Drinks Help Drinkers Cut Alcohol Use in Half

Millions of Americans are looking for ways to drink less alcohol, and new research suggests cannabis beverages might offer an unexpected solution.

A University at Buffalo study found that people who started drinking cannabis beverages cut their weekly alcohol intake from seven drinks down to just over three. Nearly two thirds of participants said they reduced or stopped drinking alcohol entirely after making the switch.

The research, published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, surveyed 438 adults who had used cannabis in the past year. Among those who consumed cannabis beverages, 58.6% said they substituted them for alcohol, compared with just 47.2% of people using other cannabis products like edibles or vapes.

Researchers believe the secret lies in the familiar social ritual. Cannabis drinks often come in cans that look like beer or hard seltzer, making them feel natural to hold at parties or bars. That similarity matters more than you might think.

"It's remarkable that people who use cannabis beverages report an even greater reduction in alcohol use than those who use other types of cannabis products," says Dr. Daniel Kruger, research associate professor at UB's School of Public Health. "We believe this may be because of the similarity in administration method and context of use."

The timing couldn't be better. Sales of cannabis beverages are skyrocketing, with market researchers estimating global sales could top $4 billion by 2028. More states are legalizing cannabis for adult use, making these products increasingly accessible across the country.

Most participants who used cannabis drinks reported consuming products with 10 mg of CBD or less. They typically had one cannabis beverage per occasion, replacing what would have been multiple alcoholic drinks. The result was fewer binge drinking episodes and better overall health outcomes.

Why This Inspires

This research represents the first study to examine cannabis beverages specifically as a tool for alcohol harm reduction. While cannabis has been discussed as an alternative to opioids, this marks new territory in addressing legal substances like alcohol.

The implications are significant. Alcohol use is linked to at least seven types of cancer and nearly 200 diseases and medical conditions. Cannabis generally presents fewer health risks, particularly compared with heavy drinking.

Dr. Jessica Kruger, the study's first author, acknowledges mainstream acceptance will take time. "I think we have a long way to go before this is seen as mainstream as cannabis beverages are a new modality of use," she says.

The research team plans to continue studying how cannabis beverages affect drinking behavior over time and compare different methods of cannabis consumption. For now, the findings offer hope for the millions of Americans seeking healthier ways to socialize without the heavy toll of excessive alcohol consumption.

Nearly 82% of survey participants purchased their cannabis beverages from licensed dispensaries, showing that people are making informed choices through legal channels. As the market grows and more research emerges, cannabis drinks could become a widely accepted option for anyone looking to raise a glass without the hangover.