New Zealand: 60% of Cannabis Users Say It Helps Them Drink Less Alcohol

Can cannabis help reduce alcohol consumption and related harm? This is the question raised by the results of a new study conducted among more than 23,000 respondents in New Zealand.

The results show that 60% of people who use both cannabis and alcohol say their alcohol consumption decreased after using cannabis. This finding raises new prospects for public health policy in New Zealand, especially in the context of the potential legalization of cannabis as a tool to reduce health harm.

Could legalizing cannabis in New Zealand help reduce alcohol-related health problems? This article will discuss the research findings, demographic context, and the role of lifestyle in this substitution.

Context and methodology of the study in New Zealand

The study was based on analysis of responses from 23,500 New Zealand respondents who took part in an anonymous online survey. The survey was promoted via social media, which helped to ensure a diverse and large sample. Respondents were asked about their use of cannabis and alcohol, as well as eight other substances, including tobacco, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD and synthetic cannabinoids. The data analysis included the impact of cannabis on the use of these substances – both as a substitute and as a potential contributor to their use.

The aim of the study was to understand whether cannabis users in New Zealand reduce their consumption of other substances and in what circumstances cannabis could act as a harm reduction agent. It is worth noting that the study included a wide demographic range – from youth to adults to the elderly, which allows for a more complete picture of the dynamics between these substances,

Main results

The most important finding from the study is that 60% of cannabis users in New Zealand report that their alcohol consumption decreased due to cannabis use. In particular, young adults aged 21-35 were more likely to report using cannabis as a substitute for alcohol than older age groups.

In addition to alcohol, respondents also reported reduced consumption of other substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids (60%), morphine (44%), and methamphetamine (40%). This suggests that cannabis may have broader applications as a substitute for some addictive substances, which opens up prospects for research into its use in addiction therapy.

The impact of demographics and lifestyle on substitution patterns

The study results indicate that demographics and lifestyle play a significant role in the way cannabis is used as a substitute for alcohol. Demographic analysis showed that age, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence influence the decision to replace alcohol with cannabis.

Age: Younger adults (21–35 years old) were significantly more likely to use cannabis as a substitute for alcohol. It seems that younger generations are more open to experimenting with substances and see marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol.

Gender: Men were more likely than women to report that their alcohol consumption decreased as a result of cannabis use. This may be because men are more likely to use alcohol in social and recreational contexts, and cannabis may be a healthier choice in the same situation.

Ethnic groups: Māori stood out in reporting a decrease in their use of alcohol and other substances. Research suggests that for this ethnic group, using cannabis instead of alcohol may be a way to reduce the negative health effects associated with alcohol.

Place of residence: People living in cities were less likely to report that cannabis reduced their alcohol consumption. This may be due to easier access to alcohol in urban areas and the culture of nightlife.

The role of cannabis as a harm reduction tool

Cannabis can be considered a substitute for alcohol, which supports the idea of ​​harm reduction. Harm reduction is about reducing the negative health effects of substance use without complete abstinence. In the context of alcohol, cannabis can reduce the risk of liver damage, heart disease, and other health problems associated with alcohol abuse.

Studies suggest that cannabis, unlike alcohol, has a lower risk of physical addiction and less severe side effects, making its use a safer alternative. Of course, cannabis itself has side effects, but for many users it poses less risk than alcohol.

Relationship between cannabis use and other substances

The study found an interesting relationship between cannabis and other substances that could have key implications for public health policy. Here are the key findings:

Tobacco : 22% of users reported that cannabis use increased their tobacco consumption. This may be because cannabis is often smoked in conjunction with tobacco, creating a risk of dual addiction.

Methamphetamine : 40% of users reported that they reduced their methamphetamine intake after using cannabis. This finding could have significant implications for the treatment of people addicted to stronger substances.

MDMA and LSD : Most respondents said that cannabis had no effect on their use of these substances. This is likely due to differences in the effects of psychedelics and cannabis, which have different purposes and applications.

Conclusions and policy implications

Research shows that legalizing cannabis can have a positive impact on reducing alcohol consumption and related health harms. Users who choose cannabis over alcohol may be reducing the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, which is a significant argument for policymakers considering liberalizing cannabis laws.

The analysis of the results also suggests that public health policies should take into account demographic differences and focus on groups that may benefit from substitution. Education about the health benefits of reducing alcohol consumption in favor of cannabis could help promote healthier choices, especially among younger adults.

Summary

The study provides interesting data on patterns of cannabis and alcohol use. The finding that 60% of respondents reduce alcohol consumption with cannabis suggests potential health benefits and opens up new perspectives for harm reduction strategies. With growing interest in legalizing cannabis worldwide, studies like this are valuable contributions to the discussion on the future of public health policy.

__

(Featured image by RDNE Stock Project via Pixabay)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us