A federally funded clinical trial suggests that marijuana may help heavy drinkers cut back on alcohol, offering potential harm reduction benefits and new insights into recovery strategies.
Cannabis as a Substitute for Alcohol
Researchers from Colorado State University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus report that using cannabis before drinking reduced alcohol intake by about 25 percent on average. Participants also experienced lower cravings for alcohol when marijuana was consumed first.
The authors note that cannabis “remains the most widely used substance among people who drink alcohol,” making the findings highly relevant to public health.
Inside the Cannabis and Alcohol Study
The clinical trial involved 61 heavy drinkers who also regularly use cannabis. Each participant completed two sessions in a mobile laboratory parked outside their homes:
- Session 1: Alcohol only.
- Session 2: Cannabis first, followed by alcohol.
In both cases, participants received a standard “priming” drink and could then consume up to four more.
Three Drinking Patterns Identified
- Substituters (23 participants): Drank significantly less after cannabis and reported reduced alcohol cravings.
- Non-substituters (23 participants): Showed little to no change in alcohol intake or cravings.
- Abstainers (15 participants): Declined to drink in both sessions.
Researchers concluded that “self-administering cannabis before alcohol significantly reduced alcohol consumption” in those who substituted cannabis for alcohol.
Limitations of the Study
The study highlights several caveats:
- Cannabis was always used before alcohol, so the reverse order was not tested.
- The mobile lab provided a controlled environment but may not reflect real-world social drinking.
- Participants were mostly white and male, limiting broader representation.
Still, the research provides the first controlled evidence that legal-market cannabis may act as an alcohol substitute for some individuals.
Why This Matters for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. The findings open the door for exploring cannabis as part of harm reduction and treatment strategies, especially for those not pursuing full abstinence.
CBD and Alcohol Reduction Research
This trial adds to a growing wave of studies on cannabis and alcohol use:
- University of Sydney study: Found that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound, may reduce voluntary alcohol consumption.
- Nature-published NIH study: Reported that CBD could treat alcohol use disorder by lowering withdrawal symptoms, reducing relapse risk, and protecting the brain from alcohol-related damage.
These studies suggest that both THC (psychoactive cannabis) and CBD (non-intoxicating cannabis) may play roles in reducing harmful drinking behaviors.
Younger Generations Are Already Substituting Cannabis for Alcohol
Beyond clinical trials, consumer trends reflect a cultural shift. A national survey of 1,000 millennials and Gen Z professionals found that one in three prefer THC-infused beverages over alcohol for after-work socializing and happy hours.
Conclusion: Can Marijuana Help Reduce Alcohol Use?
While more research is needed, early evidence shows that cannabis use may reduce alcohol cravings and overall consumption in heavy drinkers. With alcohol misuse remaining a serious public health issue, cannabis could emerge as an effective harm reduction tool and alternative to drinking.
Georgia Residents
Cannabis is not just a passing trend—it’s a time-honored botanical with a rich history of healing. For too long, its medicinal potential has been clouded by stigma and legal barriers, leaving many without access to natural relief. Now that medical cannabis is legal in Georgia, residents have a safe, plant-based alternative worth considering. If you believe it could support your health, apply today for your 5-year medical cannabis card.
Click Below to Apply for a Georgia Medical Cannabis Card
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