Survey reveals that 44% of consumers replace alcoholic beverages with the plant, signaling behavioral changes driven by legalization
Cannabis is consolidating itself as an alternative to alcohol in the United States, according to a new analysis by Bloomberg Intelligence (BI). The data indicates a significant increase in the number of consumers who replace alcoholic beverages with marijuana, reflecting the expansion of legalization at the state level and the change in the perception of harm.
Alcohol substitution for cannabis reaches new level
About 44% of respondents said they use cannabis instead of alcohol, a significant increase compared to the 33% recorded in the 2022 survey. In addition to alcohol, marijuana has also been used as a substitute for cigarettes and painkillers, although on a smaller scale.
"Consumers are increasingly inclined to use cannabis in place of substances considered more harmful, such as alcohol and opioids," highlighted the report, which interviewed more than 2,500 Americans in December 2023.
Pressure on the beverage industry
The substitution has directly affected large producers of alcoholic beverages. Companies such as Constellation Brands, owner of brands such as Corona and Modelo, face drops of up to 16% in the value of their shares, according to BI. This change in behavior has also generated interest from giants such as Altria and British American Tobacco, which have already established partnerships with Canadian cannabis producers, anticipating eventual federal legalization in the US.
Perception of safety and therapeutic potential
At the same time, research indicates that Americans consider cannabis less harmful than alcohol, tobacco and opioids. Recent studies show that daily consumption of marijuana already exceeds that of alcohol in the country.
Additionally, medical cannabis has been studied as a safer substitute for opioids, with studies indicating its efficacy in treating disorders related to these substances. "There is a distinct possibility that the use of cannabis in harm reduction models will increase," concluded a review published in the journal Addiction.
Impact on health and the market
While the expansion of cannabis calls into question the dominance of the beverage industry, its acceptance as a less harmful alternative could reconfigure markets and public policies. The evolution of perception and scientific advances suggest that the role of cannabis in American society is far from reaching its limit.
Source: https://sechat.com.br/noticia/cannabis-ganha-forca-como-substituto-ao-alcool-nos-eua-aponta-pesquisa-da-bloomberg
Cannabis gains traction as a substitute for alcohol in the US, Bloomberg survey finds
