Research on Marijuana’s Effect on Substance Consumption
Research has revealed that regular use of marijuana may lead to a reduction in the intake of substances such as alcohol, opioids, and methamphetamine. Based on a study designed around 23,500 respondents from New Zealand, there is an association between frequent cannabis use and decreased utilization of specific substances.
Within the findings, the report reveals that, “Large percentages confirmed that ‘less’ alcohol (60%), synthetic cannabinoids (60%), morphine (44%), and methamphetamine (40%) were consumed due to cannabis use.” Those who reported less substance use demonstrated reduced frequency and quantity of drug ingestion.
Furthermore, the produced effects established a pattern based on the substance, as well as the respondent’s age and lifestyle. Around 70% of the survey takers stated that cannabis had “no effect” on their use of substances like LSD, MDMA, or cocaine. One-third of the participants co-using cannabis and tobacco reported declines in tobacco consumption with marijuana use.
Substituting marijuana for other substances appears to be a trend among adults between the ages of 21 and 35, who attribute marijuana as the reason for their reduced alcohol and methamphetamine intake. Strangely, urban residents and students were less likely to attribute marijuana as the cause for reduced substance use.
Contrasting Findings Across Various Age Brackets
In the 16-20 age bracket, the findings were unclear, with some respondents confirming increased substance use while others reported a decline, all in relation to cannabis use. However, young adults (21-25 years old) commonly reported reduced alcohol, methamphetamine, and MDMA use in connection with marijuana consumption.
The research’s authors explained these diverging results, stating, “The youth age bracket (16–20 years) experiences a transition from adolescence to young adulthood, often exploring risk-taking and novelty-seeking activities.” Whereas, “the older segment (21–35 years) demonstrates more neurological development and real-world experience,” possibly enticing them towards harm reduction behavior.
The research pointed out the differing results from regions where cannabis is legalized. It references a study involving U.S. college students, which reported a decrease in binge drinking in those aged 21 or older following the legalization of marijuana. However, other studies found “no impact on other drug use.”
The situation with alcohol sales is equally varied. In Colorado and Washington State, monthly alcohol purchases decreased after marijuana became legal. However, Washington State also saw an increase in the purchase of spirits, while Oregon reported a decline post-legalization of cannabis.
The authors theorized that this contradictory trend could be due to the similar neurological influences of alcohol and cannabis, their comparable social acceptability, and their relative cost-effectiveness.
This research highlights the nuanced and diverse potential outcomes of using marijuana as an alternative to more harmful substances. This practice is more common among particular demographics. The study’s authors propose that this method could greatly assist harm reduction programs, especially in reducing excessive alcohol and methamphetamine intake..