Study: Legalization of cannabis leads to lower consumption of alcohol, nicotine and opiates

The legalization of cannabis is associated with a decrease in the use of alcohol, nicotine and non-prescription opiates among young adults, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Washington analyzed substance use trends between 2014 and 2019, and found that people aged 21-25 were less likely to use more dangerous drugs after cannabis was legalized in the state.

The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health last week, examined «six annual waves of cross-sectional survey data», analyzing data from 12,694 adults.

«Contrary to concerns on overflow effects, the implementation of non-medical cannabis legalization coincided with a decrease in alcohol and cigarette consumption and painkiller abuse», says the study summary.

«The weakening of the association between cannabis use and use of other substances in people aged 21-25 requires further research, but may suggest an increased importance of cannabis-specific prevention and treatment efforts,» the study continues.

The study also revealed that rates of past-month e-cigarette use increased in this age group after 2016.

Confirmation of previous studies

Another recent study concluded that legalizing cannabis was associated with a reduction in drug consumption prescription for the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, sleep, pain and seizures.

Last year, a study found that medical cannabis use was associated with a significant reduction in dependence on opioids and other prescription drugs, as well as improved quality of life.

A meta-study published in 2020 also indicated that cannabis was a promising option for treating pain and could serve as an alternative to opioid-based analgesics.

That year, the researchers published a study which revealed that cannabis can reduce withdrawal symptoms opioids.

Another study in 2020 showed that alcohol consumption when medical cannabis was legal.