According to a recent survey by CivicScience, about 21% of people who are abstaining from alcohol as part of “Dry January” are using cannabis and CBD products as an alternative to get through the month. In comparison, most of the participants (33%) are not replacing alcohol with anything. The survey also found that marijuana and cannabinoids are the most common alternatives to alcohol, with more people using them than opting for non-alcoholic beverages, soda and seltzer, and kombucha.
The substitution trend has been identified in multiple polls and studies over the years, and it is gaining more traction as more states legalize marijuana. One of the reasons for the trend is the perception of the dangerousness of different intoxicants, with most Americans considering cannabis safer than alcohol and tobacco. The survey also revealed that young people are the most likely to consume cannabis instead of alcohol, with 34% of those aged 21-24 using marijuana while going dry.
The substitution effect can also be observed through an economic lens, with some states taking in more revenue from marijuana sales than from alcohol or cigarettes. Colorado, Washington State, Massachusetts, and Illinois are examples of states where cannabis taxes have exceeded alcohol taxes.
Advocates and stakeholders argue that these data points underscore the economic opportunity of legalization and provide regulated access to cannabis, which may result in fewer people using more dangerous drugs like alcohol, tobacco, and certain prescription medications. Studies have also shown that cannabis can help chronic pain patients reduce their use of opioid painkillers without compromising their quality of life. In addition, state-level medical marijuana legalization is associated with a significant decrease in opioid prescriptions and use among certain cancer patients.
COMMENTS