In a new study, adults who consume cannabis-infused drinks reported a reduction in alcohol consumption.
The participants also reported improvements in their overall well-being and sleep as well as a reduction in stress, depression, and anxiety.
The analysis of self-reported survey data released on Wednesday by the research firm MoreBetter—which was sponsored by more than a dozen hemp and marijuana brands—tracked consumer behavior and overall wellbeing among more than 3,000 participants who were given a supply of infused beverages from one of 20 products containing THC, as well as other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG and CBD.
The apparent link between alcohol consumption and cannabis drinking is one of the most important findings. Following the 22-day assessment, which involved daily and weekly questionnaires, participants reported an average 12.7 percentage point decrease in daily alcohol use—down from 32.9 percent at baseline to 20.1 percent.
The report states that “there was also statistically significant impact of Study Product usage on heavy daily alcohol consumption.” The report states that “the probability of drinking a large amount of alcohol (3 or more drinks per day) has decreased by 25 percent from the phase of no product to the period of using products.”
Overall, 72 per cent of respondents agreed strongly or agreed that they consumed less alcohol after drinking the Study Product.
MoreBetter.
The same 54 percent also said that using cannabis-infused products led to an “increase or decrease” in “their craving or desire for alcohol”, and 49 percent would use the cannabinoid as a “regular substitute” for alcohol.
76 percent said that they felt “significantly less drunk” than alcohol after drinking the drinks.
A survey was also conducted to determine other factors. The data showed that participants reported a statistically significant increase in their sense of well-being after drinking cannabis beverages. By the end of this study, the average score for wellbeing had increased by 23 per cent.
In addition, people who used cannabis drinks reported that they experienced an average 11 percent less pain, an 18 percent reduced stress, and 7 percent more sleep than on days where they did not use it.
Sponsors did not participate in the administration of this study or have any editorial input, but they supported outreach activities to find participants who might qualify. Sponsors included: BRĒZ, Cantrip, Nowadays, Hippie Water, Hightail, Herbal Oasis, Woodstock, Squared, Stiiizy, Cornbread Hemp, 1906, Sober(ish), Doggy Spritz, Do It Fluid and Love Yer Brain.
It is the latest in an ongoing series of analyses and studies that show the impact of marijuana legalization on the alcohol industry.
A survey released last month, for example, showed that four in five adults who drink cannabis-infused beverages say they’ve reduced their alcohol intake—and more than a fifth have quit drinking alcohol altogether.
That survey was released shortly after a leading alcohol industry group added a company that makes THC-infused drinks to its membership roster for the first time, furthering signaling the cultural shift.
This also comes at a time when younger Americans are increasingly using cannabis-infused beverages as a substitute for alcohol—with one in three millennials and Gen Z workers choosing THC drinks over booze for after-work activities like happy hours, according to a new poll of 1,000 young professionals.
It was also recently revealed that the retail giant Target is soft launching sales of THC-infused beverages at select stores in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States recently entered a first-of-its-kind partnership with a hemp THC beverage company, with a licensing branding deal that will support a variety of veterans services and promote cannabis drinks as a potential alcohol alternative with the drinks being available at VFW posts across the country.
A popular independent craft spirits distillery recently said that it’s scaling back its operations—due in part to the fact that more adults are choosing marijuana over alcohol.
Another poll released last month found that 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.
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