How Marijuana Legalization Affects Alcohol Consumption

As a growing number of states move to legalize recreational marijuana, researchers are looking at the potential effects of this legalization on the use of other drugs, including alcohol.

What research shows is mixed, but promising. Several studies, for instance, show that binge drinking—or excessive alcohol use—has decreased in states that have legalized marijuana.

At the same time, marijuana use in those states has increased. Here, you’ll find information on these trends and the connection between marijuana legalization and alcohol consumption.

Where Is Marijuana Legalized?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been fully legalized in 18 states and the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.). Three dozen states have legalized medical marijuana only.

Effects Of Marijuana Legalization On Drinking Levels

Multiple studies published in recent years have attempted to look at the effects of marijuana legalization on the use of other drugs, including illicit substances and alcohol.

Here are some highlights of what studies have shown so far:

Decreased Binge Drinking Among College Students

One recent study, published in Addictive Behaviors just last year, discovered a modest link between legalized recreational marijuana and reduced rates of binge-drinking in college-aged students.

According to the study, college students in states with recreational marijuana laws by 2018 were six percent less likely to binge-drink than students in states where marijuana was illegal.

Binge-drinking is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as drinking five or more drinks in a single session for men, and four or more drinks for women.

This is significant, in part, because binge-drinking is particularly prevalent among college-age populations. Young people also make up the majority of those in the U.S. who use marijuana.

Nationwide, research on drinking in the college population has shown a trend of reduced alcohol consumption in recent years, leading some to dub this population the “Dry Generation”.

In 2019, for instance, nearly 30 percent of college students aged 18 to 22 reported abstaining from alcohol—up from the 20 percent who reported abstaining in 2002.

Increased Marijuana Use

At the same time that binge-drinking has seen a drop, research has shown that marijuana use has been on the rise in states that have legalized recreational marijuana.

College students, for instance, were found to be 18 percent more likely to use marijuana recreationally in states that had legalized it, versus those in states that had not by 2018.

Increases in marijuana use were most prevalent among:

• female college students
• students who lived off-campus
• students aged 21 and older

Students were also more likely to use marijuana frequently in states that had legalized the drug, with the highest rates of frequent use in those that had legalized it early on.

How Many People Use Marijuana?

In 2019, about 18 percent of Americans—nearly 50 million people—reported using marijuana at least once, according to the CDC.

Marijuana use is most common among young adults and adolescents. However, its use is also trending upward among older adults.

How Many People Drink Alcohol?

About 69.5 percent of U.S. adults aged 18 and older reported past-year alcohol use in 2019.

Furthermore, the CDC estimates about one in 6 adults, or 37 million U.S. adults, binge-drink alcohol on a weekly basis. That is, drinking heavy amounts of alcohol within a single sitting.

What’s The Link Between Marijuana Use And Alcohol Use?

Researchers have cautioned against jumping to conclusions about what, if any, direct effects legalizing marijuana could have on rates of heavy alcohol consumption.

While research has indicated a possible connection, personal risk factors—such as a family history of addiction—will ultimately play a key role in a person’s substance use habits.

For some, it’s possible marijuana could be used as a preferred substitute, rather than a complement to alcohol—since both have similar effects, such as relaxation.

So far, marijuana legalization does not appear to cause increases in the general use of other controlled substances, according to researchers.

What Happens If You Mix Alcohol And Marijuana?

Mixing marijuana with alcohol, a practice sometimes referred to as “crossfading,” can come with certain risks, affecting coordination, mental clarity, and other psychomotor functions.

Potential dangers of mixing the two include:

• intensified drug effects (e.g. dizziness, nausea, vomiting)
• impaired driving ability
• slow reflexes
• altered judgment
• “green out” (i.e. negative reaction to mixing alcohol and weed)
• higher risk of drug dependence

Factors such as drug tolerance, dependence, and other co-occurring health issues can also affect a person’s reaction to polysubstance use—or, the use of two or more substances.

Some research suggests those who mix marijuana and alcohol, particularly young adults, may also be more likely to drink greater amounts of alcohol more frequently.

Does Marijuana Treat Alcoholism?

Despite some indication that people may be smoking more and drinking less in states that have legalized marijuana, this observation does not necessarily apply to someone with alcoholism.

Although marijuana can be used for certain medical purposes, marijuana is not an evidence-based treatment for alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder.

Find Help For Substance Abuse

If you or a loved one is abusing alcohol or marijuana, our treatment specialists may be able to help.

Call our helpline today for more information about marijuana abuse, alcohol abuse, and finding addiction treatment options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff