Cannabis-infused beverages are moving into a new corner of the drinks market, and early research suggests they may help some adults reduce alcohol intake. A study from the University at Buffalo, published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, found that many participants who used cannabis drinks reported drinking less after adding them to their routine.
What the study found
The survey included 438 adults who had used cannabis in the past year. Among them, about 56% also drank alcohol, and roughly one-third said they used cannabis beverages. Those who chose drinks were more likely to describe cannabis as a substitute for alcohol.
Before starting cannabis beverages, users reported an average of 7.02 alcoholic drinks per week. Afterward, that figure dropped to 3.35. Many also said binge drinking declined, while nearly two-thirds reported that they either cut back or stopped drinking altogether.
Jessica Kruger, the study's lead author and a clinical associate professor at the University at Buffalo, described the findings as an early example of cannabis being considered in a harm-reduction framework for alcohol use. She noted that this idea is still emerging and not yet part of mainstream practice.
A growing category
Cannabis beverages, often made with THC, CBD, or both, are becoming more visible in markets where marijuana is legal. Industry estimates suggest the category is expanding quickly as consumers explore new formats beyond smoking or edibles.
Researchers also point out that the results should be read carefully. The study relied on self-reported survey data, so it cannot prove that the beverages directly caused the drop in alcohol use. Still, the pattern adds to a growing body of research suggesting some people may naturally shift toward cannabis when trying to moderate drinking.
Earlier controlled work from Brown University found similar results in a mock bar setting, where cannabis use was linked to lower alcohol consumption. Together, these studies point to a broader shift in how adults may approach moderation and personal wellness.
As cannabis drinks continue to evolve, they may become part of a wider conversation about choice, balance, and the future of adult beverage culture.
