Drinking cannabis beverages can help people reduce their alcohol intake and improve sleep and mood, according to the results of a new study conducted by research firm MoreBetter.
Researchers recruited more than 4,500 participants for the study, which involved 36 different beverages infused with the cannabinoid THC. Participants completed daily surveys for the three weeks of the study.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of participants reported using less alcohol while drinking THC beverages during the study period. More than half (56%) said they would consider using cannabis beverages as a regular replacement for alcohol, while 53% reported reduced cravings for alcohol. Nearly half (47%) said they preferred the THC beverage they used for the study over their usual alcoholic beverage.
Nearly nine out of 10 (86%) participants said they believe THC drinks are safer for health. Three-quarters (75%) said that cannabis beverages are safer socially.
MoreBetter also reported that the reduction in alcohol use persisted beyond the study period among many study subjects.
“We surveyed some participants again about 50 days after the study ended, well after the study product was gone,” it said, according to a report from Marijuana Moment. “63% said they were still drinking less than before. 2.4% said more.”
Benefits Beyond Drinking Less Alcohol Also Reported
Many participants also reported benefits from drinking THC beverages beyond a reduction in alcohol intake. More than half (54%) said they had less pain after drinking cannabis beverages, while 62% reported reductions in anxiety. Six out of 10 (60%) said they had better days overall when they drank THC beverages.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of participants reported that cannabis beverages improved their overall mood, while a similar number (62%) said they were “more happy and joyful” when using THC beverages.
Study Involved 36 THC Drinks from 23 Brands
By product, all 36 cannabis beverages involved in the study showed a significant increase in sleep quality and ease of falling asleep. The beverages included in the study had THC potencies of 1 to 10 milligrams per serving, while some products also had additional cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, or CBG.
Thirty-three of the beverages studied showed a significant increase in sleep duration. Nearly as many (31 beverages) were associated with significant reductions in daily stress, while 23 were linked to significant reductions in pain.
The researchers used 23 different brands of cannabis beverages to complete the study, including BRĒZ, Cantrip, Nowadays, Uncle Arnie’s, Willie’s Remedy+, Woodstock, Medterra, Rebel Rabbit, Snoop Dogg’s Iconic Tonics, Herbal Oasis, Cornbread Hemp, Stiiizy, 1906, Sober(ish), Wims!, Hippie Water, Squared, Hightail, Kava Haven, 23rd State, Drippy, Good Feels, and Rexis Biotech. None of the brands had influence over the study design, the analysis of the data, or the published findings of the research.
Study Comes as Ban on Hemp THC Approaches
The study’s findings, which were first reported by High Times, come as a federal ban on hemp products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids per package is slated to go into effect on November 12. Passed by Congress as part of a funding deal to reopen the government, the prohibition on intoxicating hemp products was signed into law by President Donald Trump last fall.
Since then, the White House has changed course on the issue. In an April 23 social media post, Trump wrote that he was “calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks.”
In June, the Office of Management and Budget wrote in a statement that the Trump administration “welcomes the opportunity to work with the Congress to, at a minimum, update the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products to allow Americans to benefit from access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products,” the agency wrote, “while preserving the Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose serious health risks.”
Some lawmakers have offered alternatives to the coming ban on hemp products. A bipartisan bill filed last month would regulate all products with intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, while separate legislation would regulate hemp THC drinks like alcohol.
If the ban takes effect, all of the beverages used in the study would become illegal under federal law.
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
