Cannabis Drinks Reduce Alcohol Consumption, New Study Confirms

A groundbreaking new study confirms what many have suspected for years: cannabis drinks reduce alcohol consumption dramatically. Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that people who switched to cannabis infused beverages cut their weekly alcohol intake nearly in half, dropping from about seven drinks down to just over three.

Researchers at the University at Buffalo just published the first ever study examining cannabis drinks as a tool for alcohol harm reduction. The findings? Pretty striking. People who started drinking cannabis beverages cut their alcohol consumption nearly in half, dropping from about seven drinks per week down to just over three.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to explore the growing world of cannabis drinks, this might be it.

What the Study Found About Cannabis Drinks

Let’s break down the numbers because they’re worth paying attention to.

The research team surveyed over 400 adults who had used cannabis in the past year. About a third of them had tried cannabis beverages, typically having one per occasion. Here’s what stood out:

• Alcohol intake dropped dramatically. Before using cannabis drinks, participants averaged 7.02 alcoholic beverages per week. Afterward? Down to 3.35. That’s a 52% reduction.

• Binge drinking episodes decreased. Not just overall consumption, but the risky heavy drinking sessions also went down.

• Most people either reduced or quit. Nearly 63% of respondents said they either cut back on alcohol (61.5%) or stopped entirely (1.1%) after incorporating cannabis drinks.

• Cannabis drinks outperformed other products. People who used cannabis beverages were significantly more likely to substitute them for alcohol (58.6%) compared to those using flower, edibles, or vapes (47.2%).

The study was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs and marks the first time researchers have specifically looked at cannabis beverages for alcohol harm reduction.

Why This Matters Right Now

Alcohol carries some serious baggage. We’re talking links to at least seven types of cancer and nearly 200 diseases and health conditions. Cannabis generally presents fewer risks, especially when compared to heavy drinking.

This isn’t about saying everyone should quit alcohol forever. It’s about options. Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on minimizing negative consequences rather than demanding total abstinence. For adults who still want to unwind with something in their hand at a party or bar, cannabis drinks offer an alternative that feels familiar.

And familiar is the key word here.

The Science Behind Cannabis Drinks and Alcohol Reduction

So what makes beverages special? Why do they seem to replace alcohol more effectively than smoking a joint or eating a gummy?

The researchers have a theory and it makes a lot of sense.

“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 Daniel Kruger, a research associate professor at UB and co author of the study.

“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.”

Think about it. You’re at a BBQ. Someone hands you a cold can. It looks like a beer. It cracks open like a seltzer. You sip it over time. The ritual is the same, but the substance is different. That familiarity makes the switch feel natural, not like you’re missing out.

Plus cannabis drinks come in doses you can actually manage. Most products in the study contained 10 milligrams of THC or less, which for many people provides a pleasant buzz without the hangover or regrettable text messages.

The Cannabis Drink Market Is Exploding

 

This isn’t some niche trend anymore. Market research firm Euromonitor projects global cannabis beverage sales could hit $4 billion by 2028. That’s serious growth.

And it tracks with what we’re seeing culturally. More Americans are actively trying to drink less alcohol. Dry January keeps getting bigger. Sober curious is a whole movement. But people still want to socialize. They still want to unwind. Cannabis drinks fit right into that sweet spot.

In New York State, where Buy Low Green operates, the first legal cannabis beverages hit shelves in January 2023, right after licensed sales launched. So we’re still in the early days, but the momentum is real.

The study found that nearly 82% of cannabis beverage users bought their products from licensed dispensaries. That matters. Regulated products mean lab testing, accurate dosing, and quality ingredients. No mystery about what you’re consuming.

The Bottom Line

If you are ready to try cannabis drinks reduce alcohol consumption for yourself, Buy Low Green carries a rotating selection of top tier beverages. Here are some customer favorites:

• ** fruity sparkling THC drinks** – Perfect for social sipping

• CBD dominant relaxation beverages – Great for evening unwinding

• Low dose 5mg options – Ideal for beginners exploring how cannabis drinks reduce alcohol consumption

• Fast acting formulations – For when you want effects within minutes

[Suggested Image: A variety of cannabis drink cans lined up. Alt text: Buy cannabis drinks online at Buy Low Green]

Browse our full collection of cannabis drinks online to find your new favorite.

Ready to try? Order cannabis drinks online from BuyLowGreen today.