Cannabis Before Cocktails? New Lab Study Shows It May Help Curb Alcohol Intake

Carlos Hermida
Sep 13
3 min read

Ever wonder whether cannabis could actually cut back on your drinking instead of adding to it? A brand-new lab study out of Colorado State University—and featured on NORML’s site on September 4, 2025—suggests just that. Let’s dive into what the research revealed and why it matters for the broader narrative around cannabis as a potential harm-reduction tool.

What the Study Found

Participants were heavy adult drinkers who also regularly used cannabis. In a controlled setting, each was offered alcoholic drinks every 15 minutes during a one-hour session.
For sessions where subjects used cannabis beforehand, their alcohol consumption dropped by 25% compared to sessions without cannabis.
Researchers also noted a trend toward reduced alcohol cravings when cannabis was taken prior—hinting that cravings may be a key mechanism behind the observed reduction.
The study concluded that legal-market cannabis might serve as a substitute for alcohol for some individuals engaging in heavy drinking.

How This Fits With Broader Research

This isn’t the first hint that cannabis could play a role in reducing alcohol use:

A June 2024 NORML blog referenced surveys where one-quarter of Canadian cannabis–alcohol users and 36% of U.S. users reported drinking less after legalization.
Multiple studies—including some involving treatment-seeking heavy drinkers—show that cannabis use days corresponded with 29% fewer drinks and a 2× lower likelihood of binge drinking.
Multiple studies—including some involving treatment-seeking heavy drinkers—show that cannabis use days corresponded with 29% fewer drinks and a 2× lower likelihood of binge drinking.

These findings align with a broader pattern: several controlled and observational studies support the idea of "substitution," where cannabis use leads to less alcohol consumption for some individuals.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Potential Harm Reduction StrategyFor some people, cannabis might be a safer alternative to alcohol—especially given alcohol’s well-established health risks.
Shifting Legal and Cultural Norms
As legal cannabis becomes more accessible, evidence of its role as a substitute for alcohol adds momentum to reform and consumption conversations
Individual Differences Matter
Not everyone substitutes effectively. Some experience less craving; others may not. Researchers are calling for more work to understand who benefits most and why.

Considerations and Cautions

Not a silver bullet: Cannabis and alcohol co-use can also lead to negative outcomes—especially when they're used together simultaneously in risky contexts.
Effects vary by user: The mechanism may work for some, but others may not experience craving reduction—or may even substitute poorly.
Need for long-term data: Most studies, including the one featured by NORML, focus on short-term, lab-based scenarios. The long-term impact on alcohol dependence and overall health remains to be seen.

In Summary

A 25% drop in alcohol consumption when cannabis is used beforehand—a clear signal of substitution in action.
Trends line up with previous findings—from self-report surveys to treatment and observational studies—highlighting a potential role for cannabis in reducing alcohol use.
While promising, results are mixed and context-dependent—so more research, especially in real-world and longer-term settings, is essential.

Why This Matters for Suncoast NORML Readers

If you’re exploring policy reform, harm reduction, or simply want to stay informed, this study adds an important data point: cannabis isn't just about recreation—it may hold serious potential as a safer alternative to alcohol for many people.

Feel free to share this post, spark a conversation, or use it as a reference as we continue exploring cannabis in the context of public health, reform, and responsible use.

And don't forget to join Suncoast NORML!!!