Acute Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Craving and Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.
The American journal of psychiatry February 1, 2026 Jane Metrik, Elizabeth R Aston, Rachel L Gunn et al.
Smoking cannabis acutely reduces alcohol consumption in people who drink heavily and use cannabis at least twice weekly. In a double-blind crossover trial, 157 participants were randomized to smoke cannabis cigarettes with 7.2% THC, 3.1% THC, or placebo (0.03% THC) across three days. After smoking, they were exposed to alcohol cues and given a choice to consume alcohol. Those who smoked 3.1% THC reduced alcohol consumption by 19%, and those who smoked 7.2% THC reduced it by 27%, compared to placebo. No significant effects on overall craving were found, though the higher dose reduced alcohol urge immediately after smoking. Further research on various cannabinoids is needed to inform alcohol treatment guidelines.