- Cannabis as a Substitute: Many people find cannabis helpful in reducing the use of more harmful substances, particularly alcohol, opioids, and methamphetamine.
- Demographic Differences: Young adults and the Māori population in New Zealand show significant substitution patterns, while adolescents exhibit mixed effects.
- Harm Reduction: Increased cannabis access might offer safer alternatives for individuals at risk of substance misuse, potentially decreasing alcohol and methamphetamine abuse.
- Cultural Shifts: Attitudes toward cannabis are changing, with more adults in the U.S. viewing it as less harmful and more beneficial than alcohol and opioids.
A new study from New Zealand has found that cannabis might serve as a substitute for more harmful substances, such as alcohol, opioids, and methamphetamine, reducing the consumption of these drugs for many users. Surveying 23,500 people, researchers revealed that cannabis use could play a significant role in harm reduction, especially among younger adults.
Key Findings
The study showed a considerable reduction in the use of certain drugs among cannabis users:
- Alcohol: 60% of respondents reported drinking less.
- Synthetic Cannabinoids: 60% reduced their use.
- Morphine: 44% used less.
- Methamphetamine: 40% lowered their intake.
For some, cannabis did not impact the usage of other drugs, such as LSD, MDMA, and cocaine. However, one-third of respondents who used both cannabis and tobacco reported smoking less.
Age and Demographic Impact
Younger adults (ages 21-35) were more likely to report that cannabis reduced their alcohol and methamphetamine use. Adolescents (ages 16-20) had mixed outcomes, with some reporting increased use of other substances. The Māori population in New Zealand, along with young men, noted significant reductions in alcohol and other drug use after starting cannabis, despite high baseline rates of hazardous drinking.
Variability Across Jurisdictions
The findings align with mixed results seen in other regions. For example:
- U.S. College Students: In areas where cannabis is legalized, some studies observed a decrease in binge drinking among students over 21, though the same effect wasn’t seen in younger students.
- Alcohol Sales Post-Legalization: In Canada, legalization correlated with decreased beer sales. In the U.S., monthly alcohol purchases dropped in some legalized states.
Potential Reasons for Substitution
Researchers suggest that similar neurological effects, social acceptability, and price comparisons between alcohol and cannabis may drive this substitution. Studies also indicate that some people use cannabis specifically to reduce alcohol consumption and avoid related negative outcomes.
Implications for Harm Reduction
The study highlights potential benefits of increased cannabis access:
- Reducing Excessive Drinking: Among young adults with high rates of risky drinking, cannabis could offer a safer alternative.
- Mitigating Methamphetamine Use: Cannabis might help individuals decrease methamphetamine consumption or support treatment for meth-related issues.
Some programs advocate for community-led harm reduction models that provide cannabis at low cost to people with substance use issues.
Observations in the U.S. and Canada
Public perception aligns with the study’s findings, as recent surveys show Americans increasingly view cannabis as less harmful and addictive than alcohol or opioids. Polls reveal that more Americans now smoke cannabis daily than consume alcohol daily.
This research contributes to a growing understanding of how cannabis legalization may affect other drug use, indicating potential benefits for harm reduction and public health.