Many studies have shown that state-level legalization of marijuana is linked to reduced alcohol consumption. But a new, federally-funded study conducted by Oregon state officials sheds light on the fact that access to cannabis retail outlets is one important factor behind this trend.
Researchers from Oregon State University, and the Oregon Public Health Division wanted to investigate this association further. They analyzed data about rates of heavy alcohol and marijuana consumption in different areas of the State with various levels of retail accessibility between January 2014 and December 2022.
The research paper, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine this month, found that “odds of heavy alcohol use were lower with greater cannabis retail access, primarily among 21-24 and 65+ year olds”—”consistent with a substitution hypothesis” where people choose marijuana instead of drinking.
This is consistent with the findings of a number of surveys and studies that indicate marijuana is being substituted for alcohol more often, especially in those states where it is legal.
This study was partly funded by NIDA and showed that those who live in an area with easy access to dispensaries are more likely than others to have reported cannabis usage in the past month.
Authors wrote that increased access to retail cannabis also increases the odds of regular use. This association is true in all adult demographics except for those aged 18-20 who cannot buy marijuana as an adult.
Researchers said that research on how retail density effects and proximity affect young and middle aged adults could inform local and state policies to help prevent the misuse of cannabis. For older adults (65+), the public health effects of increased cannabis consumption due to retail access are unclear, given their decrease in heavy alcohol usage.
The study examined the impact that retail cannabis availability could have on young adults, older adults, and middle aged people.
Researchers said that early adulthood was a crucial developmental stage to examine substance abuse and misuse, as well as the effects of cannabis policies.
Based on the data extracted from the State’s Behavioral Factor Surveillance (BRFSS) system, the study involved 61.581 participants in alcohol surveys and 38.243 individuals who disclosed information regarding their cannabis usage.
The study states that “a greater access to retail marijuana is a modifiable risk factor at the community level for cannabis use, and it’s frequent use among subgroups in Oregon of adults aged 21 and over.” The study says that retail access to cannabis can be controlled in many ways, and at any government level.
With respect to the alcohol consumption trends observed in the study, the findings seem to comport with a poll released earlier this month that found a majority of Americans believe marijuana represents a “healthier option” than alcohol—and most also expect cannabis to be legal in all 50 states within the next five years.
Last month, another poll showed that a majority of Americans don’t consider marijuana dangerous, though most do think consuming cannabis increases the likelihood that people will transition to using more dangerous drugs.