Medical Marijuana Patients Are Reporting Reduced Alcohol Use

According to new data, many medical marijuana patients in Canada are reporting reduced alcohol use.

Researchers found that 44% of surveyed respondents reported “decreases in alcohol frequency” following their participation in the country’s medical cannabis program, NORML reported. Of them, 85% reported a decreased number of drinks per week when they consumed, and 18% reported consuming no alcohol during the 30-days prior to being surveyed.

“Our findings suggest that medical cannabis initiation may be associated with self-reported reductions and cessation of alcohol use among medical cannabis patients,” the researchers stated. “Since alcohol is the most prevalent recreational substance in North America, and its use results in significant rates of criminality, morbidity and mortality, these findings may result in improved health outcomes for medical cannabis patients, as well as overall improvements in public health and safety.”

The respondents under 55 years of age and/or who engaged in higher rates of alcohol consumption before enrollment were the most likely to have reduced or stopped their alcohol use.