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Study: More Cannabis Retail, Less Alcohol Consumption

People who live near cannabis dispensaries are less likely to drink alcohol, according to a new study.

Published

1 year ago

November 10, 2025

A new study from Oregon State University found that people who lived close to cannabis retailers were less likely to heavily consume alcohol. PHOTO: COURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS

Fewer Americans are drinking alcohol, and the continued legalization of cannabis may be a factor. A new study from Oregon State University surveyed 60,000 adults in Oregon and found that those who lived in close proximity to a cannabis dispensary frequented cannabis more and were less likely to heavily consume alcohol.

The study also found that the use of more cannabis and less alcohol were most pronounced in two age groups: ages 21-24 and 65 and over. For those 65 and over, increased cannabis use could be related to the destigmatization of cannabis and for medicinal use, according to the study. “It’s a complicated picture,” says David Kerr, Oregon State University, “because cannabis is considered effective for certain conditions like chronic pain, it poses less risk than opioids, and less drinking is better for your health than more drinking.”

Kerr notes that the findings of this study does not mean people are choosing to live near cannabis stores, but rather emphasizes the increase of cannabis retailers in the state.