60% In New Zealand Survey Indicated Cannabis Decreased Their Alcohol Use

A recent survey of more than 23,000 New Zealanders found that 60% of respondents reported that they consumed less alcohol after beginning cannabis use. The survey also found that of people who report using cannabis and other substances, 60% of respondents reported consuming less synthetic cannabinoids, 44% reported using less morphine, and 40% reported using less methamphetamine.

“To explore the co-use of cannabis with alcohol and other drugs within demographic subgroups of a large sample of people who use cannabis. Specifically: (1) whether cannabis is being substituted for other drugs, and (2), whether cannabis use leads to more, less or the same level of other drug use.” the survey’s authors stated about the aim of their research. The findings of the survey were originally published in the Harm Reduction Journal.

“Online convenience survey promoted via Facebook™ completed by 23,500 New Zealand respondents. Those who had used cannabis and any of eight other substances in the same six-month period were asked if their use of cannabis had any impact on their use of each other substance (“a lot more”, “little more”, “no impact/same”, “little less”, “a lot less”). Frequency and quantity used of each other drug was compared by co-use group. Generalised logistic regression models were developed to predict co-use categories.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“Young adults (21–35-years) were more likely to report cannabis use led to “less” drinking and methamphetamine use.” the researchers reported. “Māori were more likely to report cannabis use resulted in “less” alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamine, and LSD use.”

“Cannabis and other drug co-use patterns are moderated by life stages, lifestyles, cultural perspectives, and urbanicity. Harm reduction initiatives and policy reforms should take account of these moderating factors.” the investigators concluded.

The results of the New Zealand survey add to a growing area of research that is finding that cannabis can be an ‘exit drug’ for many consumers. For example, according to data from Health Canada, nearly one-quarter of surveyed Canadians report that they are consuming less alcohol after consuming cannabis.

Separate survey data from the U.S. found that 36 percent of U.S. consumers report consuming less alcohol following state-level cannabis legalization. Polling data previously published by Gallup found that most U.S. adults believe that cannabis use poses fewer risks to health than alcohol. A study conducted in 2015 found that alcohol is 114 times more harmful to humans than cannabis.