As more states legalize cannabis, more people are choosing to use cannabis over alcohol. A recent survey by CivicScience found that roughly a significant number of people are switching from alcohol to cannabis during “Dry January.” During this month, People attempt sobriety for a variety of physical and mental health reasons, and the main one is to detox after the excessive eating and drinking that often characterizes the winter holiday season. Some use Dry January as a time to jumpstart their health-related New Year’s resolutions.
The survey indicated that 21% of participants choose cannabis and CBD products as an alternative to beer, wine, or liquor. Most dry January observers (33%) do not replace alcohol with any substitute during this month-long event.
The CivicScience survey included interviews with 938 participants. Roughly 20% opted for non-alcoholic beverages (20 percent), soda and seltzer (20 percent), and kombucha (6 percent). Participants ages 55 years or older tended not to replace alcohol with a substitute, but roughly 90% of Gen Z participants planned on using a substitute. Young people are the most likely group to choose cannabis over alcohol, and 34% of those ages 21-24 plan on consuming cannabis while abstaining from drinking. In comparison, 24% of those in the 25–34-year-old population, 22% of those ages 35-54, and 9% of those 55 and older will consume cannabis instead of alcohol.
Many believe that providing regulated access to cannabis means decreasing more dangerous drugs like alcohol, tobacco, and certain prescription medications. The increase in Americans choosing cannabis as an alternative during dry January may be due to several factors. A Gallup survey showed that an increasing number of Americans think that cannabis has a positive impact on consumers and the economy in comparison to alcohol.
Sources: CivicScience, Gallup, Marijuana Moment
