Systematically Testing the Evidence on Marijuana

Alcohol and Cannabis: What Does the Research Say?

It’s important to understand how cannabis and alcohol can affect each other:

• Research shows that using cannabis can increase the risk of heavy drinking and alcohol addiction, especially when both are used together. For people with alcohol use problems, cannabis can make it harder to get or stay sober. While some may use cannabis to reduce alcohol consumption, for others, it can lead to more drinking.
• Mixing cannabis and alcohol can also create issues with cannabis use. It’s safest to avoid combining them, particularly if you’ve had problems with either substance.
• If you’re struggling with alcohol or cannabis use, talk to your doctor. Effective, evidence-based treatments are available. 

For more detailed information about the evidence, see our clinician brief on this topic: https://www.cannabisevidence.org/clinician-resources/clinician-briefs/cannabis-and-alcohol-use/

Page Last Reviewed: March 2025