A new study involving over 4,500 people found that two-thirds of participants who consumed cannabis-infused drinks reported drinking less alcohol, while also experiencing improvements in sleep quality, mood, and stress levels. The research, conducted by the firm MoreBetter, tested 36 different cannabis beverages and tracked participants' daily experiences over three weeks, revealing a potential shift in how people approach alcohol consumption and wellness.

What Did the Study Find About Cannabis Drinks and Alcohol Use?

The findings paint a striking picture of changing consumer habits. Among the 4,516 study participants, 65% reported drinking less alcohol during the research period while consuming THC beverages. Even more telling, the behavior persisted after the study ended. When researchers followed up with some participants about 50 days after the study concluded, 63% said they were still drinking less than before, while only 2.4% reported drinking more.

Beyond simply reducing alcohol intake, participants expressed strong preferences for cannabis drinks as a replacement. Fifty-six percent said they would consider using cannabis drinks as a regular substitute for alcohol, 53% reported decreased cravings for alcohol, and 47% said they now prefer the THC beverage they tested over their usual alcoholic drink. Participants also rated cannabis drinks as safer than alcohol, with 87% citing health benefits and 75% noting social safety advantages.

How Do Cannabis Drinks Affect Sleep, Mood, and Overall Wellness?

The wellness benefits extended far beyond alcohol reduction. All 36 products tested, which contained between 1 and 10 milligrams of THC and sometimes included other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBD, showed significant improvements in sleep quality and ease of falling asleep. The research also revealed broader health impacts across the participant group:

• Sleep Duration: 33 of the 36 products were tied to significantly boosted sleep duration
• Stress Reduction: 31 of the drinks were associated with significant reductions in daily stress levels
• Pain Management: 26 beverages were linked to significant decreases in pain, with 54% of all participants reporting less pain after product use
• Mood and Anxiety: 63% of participants said THC beverages improved their overall mood, 62% reported less anxiety, and 62% said they were "more happy and joyful" when consuming them
• Daily Quality of Life: 60% of participants said their overall days were better when they used cannabis drinks

The consistency of these findings across multiple products suggests that the benefits may be linked to the cannabinoid formulations themselves rather than individual product variations.

What's Driving This Shift in Consumer Behavior?

This research builds on earlier findings from MoreBetter released last year, which also showed that people consuming cannabis THC drinks reported reduced alcohol use and improvements in sleep and mood. The trend reflects a broader cultural shift, particularly among younger Americans. One recent poll found that one in three millennials and Gen Z workers choose THC drinks over alcohol for after-work activities like happy hours. A separate survey released last year showed that four in five adults who drink cannabis-infused beverages have reduced their alcohol intake, with more than a fifth quitting alcohol altogether.

Public perception is shifting as well. A poll found that a majority of Americans believe marijuana represents a "healthier option" than alcohol, and most expect cannabis to be legal in all 50 states within the next five years. This cultural momentum has even reached the alcohol industry itself, which recently added a company that makes THC-infused drinks to its membership roster for the first time.

What Regulatory Changes Are Coming for Cannabis Beverages?

The timing of this research is significant, as Congress is currently deciding the fate of hemp-derived THC products. Hemp derivatives with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis were federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, but new legislation signed late last year would redefine hemp to allow only products with 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container after November 12. This would effectively ban most current cannabis beverages from the market.

However, the Senate recently approved a funding bill that delays the effective date of the hemp product ban until December 11, a move supported by the White House. It remains unclear whether the House of Representatives will follow suit. Meanwhile, members of Congress from both parties have filed or are circulating legislation to enact regulations for hemp products instead of broad prohibition, including a new bipartisan House bill introduced this month to keep hemp THC drinks legal and federally regulated like alcohol.

Key Takeaways About Cannabis Beverages and Health

The MoreBetter study provides the most comprehensive consumer data to date on how cannabis-infused drinks affect real-world behavior and wellness. The research was partially funded by cannabis drinks brands whose products were tested, though MoreBetter stated they had no role in the study design or data analysis. The findings suggest that for many people, cannabis beverages may offer a viable alternative to alcohol with additional wellness benefits, though individual responses vary and more research is needed to understand the long-term effects and optimal dosing strategies.