Cannabis-infused drinks may help people cut back on alcohol, survey data finds

Recent research indicates that cannabis-infused drinks could offer a new tool for people seeking to cut back on alcohol use. A survey conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered that people who incorporated these beverages into their routines reported lower weekly alcohol consumption and fewer instances of binge drinking. The study, published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, emphasizes the possibility of cannabis drinks as a harm reduction strategy for alcohol-related risks.

What Are Cannabis-Infused Beverages and How Do They Work?

Cannabis beverages are drinks infused with active compounds such as THC or CBD. They are available in formats likw sodas, tonics, or seltzers. These beverages enables users to experience cannabis effects in a drinkable form while maintaining familiar social habits, like holding a can, without consuming ethanol.

Why Is Reducing Alcohol Consumption a Public Health Concern?

Alcohol consumption continues to be a significant public health concern, connected to nearly 200 different health conditions, which includes liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and several forms of cancer. While abstinence is the most efficient way to eliminate these risks, several adults choose not to stop drinking completely. This reality has driven public health experts to delve into harm reduction methods, which focuses on reducing negative consequences without requiring entire sobriety.


Cannabis is increasingly regarded within this harm reduction framework as it generally carries fewer physiological challenges compared to alcohol. Legalization in several U.S. states has extended the market beyond traditional smokable cannabis, allowing consumers to access products such as cannabis-infused seltzers, sodas, and tonics.

Social Context and Administration

The similarity between cannabis beverages and alcoholic drinks has a significant role. Several products are packaged in cans that resemble beer or hard seltzers, enabling users to engage in social rituals, like holding a drink, without consuming ethanol. Jessica S. Kruger, a clinical associate professor at the University at Buffalo, led the study along with Nicholas Felicione and Daniel J. Kruger. Their research explored whether these beverages act as a functional alternative to alcohol. The team analyzed 438 adults who had used cannabis in the previous year. About one-third reported drinking cannabis-infused beverages, generally one per session. Results indicated that 58.6% of beverage users replaced cannabis for alcohol, compared with 47.2% of non-beverage users. On average, participants minimized their alcohol intake from almost 7 drinks per week to 3.35 drinks per week, with binge drinking also reducing substantially.

What THC Dosages Were Used and Are They Safe?

Most cannabis beverage users opted for lower THC doses, generally 10 mg or less, enabling a milder and more controlled experience. Co-author Daniel J. Kruger cited: “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 (but not beverages). We believe this may be because of the similarity in administration method and context of use, people at parties or bars will likely have a drink in their hand, in this case a cannabis beverage rather than an alcoholic one.”

The study also acknowledges possible risks. Cannabis beverages have a slower onset than inhaled cannabis, which may result in overconsumption, and mixing alcohol and cannabis can increase impairment. Further longitudinal studies are advised to track long-term impacts and ensure safety.

What Is the Future of Cannabis Beverages in the U.S. Market?

Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported either reducing (61.5%) or stopping (1.1%) alcohol consumption after using cannabis beverages. The findings indicate that these drinks may offer a practical, enjoyable, and safer alternative for those focusing to reduce alcohol-related harm. As the cannabis beverage market expands, projected to surpass $4 billion in sales by 2028, knowing their impact on alcohol use will be crucial for public health policy and education.

FAQs:

Q1. What are cannabis beverages?
Cannabis beverages are drinks infused with cannabis compounds such as THC or CBD. They come in forms like sodas, tonics, or seltzers.

Q2. Can cannabis drinks replace alcohol?
They may reduce alcohol consumption but rarely substitute it completely. Several users still consume some alcohol while moderating intake.