Cannabis vs. Alcohol: Are More Adults Choosing Cannabis Instead of Drinking?

For decades, alcohol has been a familiar part of dinners, celebrations, sporting events, and nights out. But as legal cannabis becomes more mainstream, some adults are beginning to look at cannabis differently—including as a possible alternative to drinking.

The idea has even become part of the “California sober” conversation, a loosely defined lifestyle in which people reduce or eliminate alcohol while continuing to use cannabis. But are consumers actually making the switch? Recent research suggests that some are, although the relationship between cannabis and alcohol is more complicated than it might seem.

What Does the Research Say?

Recent research has found evidence that some cannabis consumers are intentionally substituting cannabis for alcohol. A 2026 study of 438 adults who had used cannabis within the previous year found that cannabis beverage users were more likely than non-beverage users to report substituting cannabis for alcohol. Those consumers also reported drinking fewer alcoholic beverages after they began using cannabis beverages.

Another recent study went beyond asking consumers about their habits. In a randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers studied adults who regularly used cannabis and reported heavy alcohol use. Participants consumed 19% less alcohol after using cannabis containing 3.1% THC and 27% less after cannabis containing 7.2% THC compared with placebo cannabis.

However, these findings don’t mean cannabis is replacing alcohol across the board. A large study of more than 4.2 million U.S. adults found that recreational cannabis legalization was actually associated with a small increase in the percentage of adults reporting any alcohol use, while finding no significant overall change in binge or heavy drinking.

Together, the research suggests there isn’t one universal shift from alcohol to cannabis. Instead, some adults appear to be incorporating cannabis as an alternative while others continue to use both.

Why Are Some Adults Exploring Cannabis Instead?

As legal cannabis markets have expanded, consumers have gained access to a much wider variety of products and consumption methods. For adults who are interested in alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks, that means cannabis can now fit into social occasions in ways that weren’t as common in the past.

Today’s options include:

• Low-dose edibles that allow consumers to more easily manage serving size
• Cannabis beverages that offer an experience similar to having a drink in hand
• Pre-rolls and vapes that offer alternatives to edible products
• A growing selection of products designed for different preferences and experiences

The increasing variety gives adult consumers more ways to decide what, if anything, fits their lifestyle.

The Rise of the “California Sober” Conversation

“California sober” has become a popular phrase for people who choose to avoid or significantly reduce alcohol while still consuming cannabis. There isn’t one official definition, and the approach can look different from person to person.

The growing conversation reflects a broader change in how some adults think about cannabis. Rather than viewing it exclusively as a recreational product separate from other social activities, consumers may consider it alongside—or instead of—alcohol depending on the occasion.

That doesn’t make cannabis risk-free, and using cannabis and alcohol together can increase impairment. Consumers should understand how each affects them and avoid driving or operating a vehicle while impaired.

Cannabis and Alcohol: It’s Not One or the Other for Everyone

While there’s evidence that some adults are choosing cannabis instead of alcohol, research doesn’t support the idea that Americans as a whole are simply abandoning drinking for cannabis. Consumer habits vary widely, and researchers are still studying how greater access to legal cannabis will affect alcohol consumption over time.

What is clear is that adults today have more choices than they once did. As cannabis continues to become part of mainstream culture, consumers are increasingly able to make their own decisions about when, where, and whether it fits into their lifestyle.

Interested in exploring something different? Visit Aroma Hill in-store or online to discover our selection and find cannabis products that fit your preferences.