Study: Cannabis use reduces alcohol intake
A Brown University randomized, controlled “bar lab” study of 157 U.S. adults (ages 21–44) who were heavy drinkers and regular cannabis users found that smoking higher‑THC cannabis (7.2%) led participants to drink about 27% less alcohol over the next two hours versus placebo, with a 19% reduction at 3.1% THC. Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry and funded by NIAAA, the trial also showed an immediate drop in the urge to drink, though authors cautioned results may not generalize beyond near‑daily cannabis users, other products, or real‑world settings and do not justify recommending cannabis as a substitute for alcohol.
📌 Key Facts
- Design: randomized, controlled lab study with three two‑hour sessions per participant; cannabis doses of 7.2% THC, 3.1% THC, or placebo
- Sample: 157 adults (21–44) reporting heavy alcohol use and cannabis use at least bi‑weekly
- Outcome: ~27% less alcohol consumed after 7.2% THC vs placebo; ~19% less after 3.1% THC
- Craving: immediate alcohol‑urge reduction observed post‑cannabis but mixed effects across craving measures
- Publication/funding: American Journal of Psychiatry (Nov. 2025); funded by NIAAA
📊 Relevant Data
The study participants were 62.3% White, 15.2% Black/African American, 2.9% Asian, 7.2% multiracial, 11.6% other, with 25.6% Hispanic/Latino.
Acute Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Craving and Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial — American Journal of Psychiatry
In 2022, non-Hispanic multiracial adults had the highest past 30-day cannabis use rate of 25.14%, compared to 16.19% for non-Hispanic Black, 15.88% for non-Hispanic White, 13.50% for Hispanic, and 7.83% for other non-Hispanic races.
Prevalence of and trends in current cannabis use among US youth and adults, 2013–2022 — Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports
Non-Hispanic Black children aged 9-10 have a higher genetic predisposition for alcohol intent (heritability 48%) compared to non-Hispanic White children (heritability 34%).
Non-Hispanic Black children aged 9-10 have lower prevalence of alcohol sips (8.1%) compared to non-Hispanic White children (28.6%).
Hispanic children aged 9-10 have the highest genetic predisposition for alcohol intent (heritability 53%) compared to non-Hispanic White children (heritability 34%).