Cannabis Consumers Have Reduced Alcohol Intake
A new poll shows most cannabis users in the U.S. have decreased or stopped drinking alcohol.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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A recent survey of 1,005 cannabis consumers found that 65.8 percent have either reduced or completely eliminated their alcohol consumption. The findings were released to coincide with the Sober October awareness month.
Why it matters
Understanding shifts in alcohol habits among cannabis users provides insight into evolving public health trends regarding substance use. This data highlights a notable pattern in how consumers may be choosing between or transitioning away from alcohol.
In a NuggMD poll of 1,005 cannabis consumers with a margin of error of +/- 3.09 percentage points, 65.8% reported reducing or eliminating alcohol. This builds on previous surveys from 2025 and 2026 showing similar trends among THC beverage users.
The players
NuggMD
A medical cannabis technology platform that connects consumers with licensed practitioners for consultations.
The details
The survey categorized user behavior, finding that 31.5 percent of respondents replaced alcohol entirely with cannabis products. Another 34.3 percent reported either greatly or somewhat decreasing their alcohol intake. These patterns suggest a preference shift among some users toward cannabis-based alternatives over traditional alcoholic beverages.
Timeline
August 2026: A study on THC beverage consumption and reduced alcohol intake was published.
September 24-26, 2026: NuggMD conducted interviews for the cannabis consumer poll.
October 2026: This data was released to align with Sober October awareness efforts.
Health Landscape
This story tracks a shift in alcohol intake reported in a new poll, following a pattern set by the 2025 survey on cannabis-infused beverage consumers. The findings extend the observed trend by broadening the scope to general cannabis consumers beyond those using infused beverages.
If you are considering changes to your alcohol consumption, it is worth discussing your habits and any substance use with your primary care physician. Understanding how your body reacts to different substances is an essential part of managing your long-term health.
The takeaway
The data indicates that many cannabis consumers are consciously shifting away from alcohol. Maintaining a conversation with your healthcare provider about your substance intake is a healthy step for anyone evaluating their personal wellness habits.
Further reading
Learn more about the shifting patterns of use in our Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marijuana Moment.
Live Poll
Do you believe replacing alcohol with cannabis is an effective way to improve your health?
