Dry January and Cannabis

This year, nearly 20% of Americans plan to participate in Dry January, while 39% aim to reduce their overall alcohol consumption, according to a recent Ipsos survey. These figures highlight a growing shift toward mindful drinking, with Dry January participation up 2% and the intent to drink less increasing by 4% compared to last year.

The trend underscores the increasing appeal of using January as a time to reset, recover from the holiday season, and prioritize wellness. What began as a grassroots movement in the UK has grown into an international phenomenon encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year. While the benefits of Dry January—such as improved sleep, better health, and enhanced focus—are well-known, the challenge of cutting out alcohol is real. A study by NCSolutions found that 93% of Americans believe drinking is deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture.

Could the cannabis plant offer a new way to navigate Dry January? According to BDSA, 54% of adult-use cannabis consumers use it for enjoyment, much like alcohol. But cannabis brings its own unique advantages—no hangovers, fewer calories, and potential wellness benefits like stress relief and improved mood.

Swapping cocktails for cannabis could be a game-changer for individuals seeking a healthier way to unwind or socialize. The versatility of cannabis offers a range of options to fit diverse lifestyles and preferences. As more people explore alternatives to alcohol, the idea of replacing champagne toasts with “canna-toasts” is gaining traction. Whether your goal is to improve your health, reevaluate your relationship with alcohol, or simply try something new, cannabis may provide a supportive ally in sticking to your Dry January goals.

Read on to discover the benefits of Dry January, how cannabis can play a role in your journey, and why this growing movement is reshaping the way we celebrate and unwind.

Swapping Alcohol for Cannabis, Intentionally or Not

According to BDSA, there are several reasons why Americans are opting for cannabis over alcohol. 67% of users view cannabis as healthier than alcohol, and 57% feel it impairs them less than alcoholic beverages.

In a January 2023 CivicScience survey, 21% of participants reported using cannabis or CBD as an alternative to alcohol during Dry January. Similarly, a survey at a medical cannabis dispensary in Berkeley, CA, found that 40% of respondents used cannabis as an alcohol substitute, 26% instead of illegal drugs, and 66% in place of prescription medications.

Additionally, compelling insights emerge from a comprehensive 392-question survey of medical cannabis patients in Canada, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.

The responses broke down as such:

• 44% stated they decreased alcohol use over 30 days
• 34% reported a decrease in the number of drinks had per week
• 8% reported no alcohol use in the 30 days before the survey

Interestingly, researchers noted: “Being below 55 years of age and reporting higher rates of alcohol use in the pre-period were both associated with greater odds of reducing alcohol use, and an intention to use medical cannabis to reduce alcohol consumption was associated with significantly greater odds of both reducing and ceasing alcohol use altogether.”

Overall, the results lead researchers to conclude cannabis use “may be associated with self-reported reductions and cessation of alcohol use among medical cannabis patients.”

Cannabis for Binge Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder – What the Research Says

While still in early stages, research indicates that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, may be effective in addressing binge drinking and alcohol use disorder.

CBD has been noted for its potential to lessen cravings among individuals with alcohol use disorder. A comprehensive review in Frontiers in Pharmacology examined 26 studies focusing on CBD and alcohol. The findings highlighted three key areas where CBD could benefit those with alcohol use disorder: a decrease in alcohol consumption, reduction in alcohol-induced liver inflammation, and mitigation of alcohol-related brain damage, underscoring the necessity for more in-depth research.

Moreover, the non-intoxicating properties of CBD were also evident in animal studies. A 2018 publication in Addiction Biology used a two-bottle paradigm, where mice choose between two drinks, to assess preferences. The study observed that CBD significantly reduced ethanol consumption and preference, decreased self-administration of ethanol, and lowered the chances of ethanol relapse. These results suggest that CBD might be a valuable tool in treating alcohol use disorders.

The Best Ways to Use Cannabis in Social Settings

There are countless ways to get social with cannabis. Whether you’re reaching for THC or CBD to take the edge off, let loose, or simply enjoy yourself a little more, consider our favorite options to socialize with cannabis:

1. Cannabis mocktails. For a more invigorating option than plain sparkling water, consider creating a cannabis mocktail at home. These marijuana-infused drinks are simple to prepare and emulate popular cocktail aesthetics, minus the hangover. Remember, oral cannabis ingestibles take time to manifest their effects, typically around an hour.
2. Marijuana edibles. Edibles used to be one size fits all in terms of effect, but no longer. Targeted outcomes are all the rage, achieved with terpene blends or strain-specific options. Our favorite options are microdoses, which provide enough THC to take the edge off, and strain-specific RSO. Don’t forget that edibles can take an hour or so to kick in!
3. Flower. For quicker results, inhalation is the way to go. Using flower can be more challenging in social situations, so it's important to ensure everyone is comfortable with its presence. Sometimes, using it before an event and arranging a ride is the best approach.
4. Vapes. Vaping THC is discreet and suitable for social environments, producing minimal odor that dissipates quickly. As with any form of cannabis use in public, make sure those around you are okay with the vapor.
5. Concentrates. Concentrates offer a potent experience, akin to a caffeine buzz, making them ideal for social interactions. Dab pens and portable rigs provide an easy way to inhale these extracts with little odor, though it's always courteous to check with others before using these devices in social settings.

Remember, cannabis can be used on private property with the owner’s permission, not in public settings!

Find Alcohol Alternatives at MÜV Dispensary

If Dry January is in your cards for 2025, cannabis might be a nice social alternative. Whether you’re thinking inhalation or edibles or even DIY mocktails, shop online or stop by your local MÜV Dispensary. Our trusted Cannabis Advisors are standing by to aid you in your New Year’s resolution, guiding you to the best option for your social needs.

Most importantly, make 2025 an incredible year!

*This post was originally published on January 4, 2024, and updated on January 2, 2025.

References:

1. Alcohol use and your health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 14, 2022, cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm. Accessed January 2, 2023.
2. Boyd S., Lucas P., Milloy, M-J, Walsh Z. (2020). Reductions in alcohol use following medical cannabis initiation: results from a large cross-sectional survey of medical cannabis patients in Canada. International Journal of Drug Policy, Vol. 86. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102963
3. De Ternay J, Naassila M, Nourredine M, Louvet A, Bailly F, Sescousse G, Maurage P, Cottencin O, Carrieri PM, Rolland B. Therapeutic prospects of cannabidiol for alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related damages on the liver and the brain. Front Pharmacol. 2019 May 31;10:627. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00627. PMID: 31214036; PMCID: PMC6554654.
4. Hamelink C. (2008). Comparison of cannabidiol, antioxidant, and diuretics in reversing binge ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. Acc. Chem. Res 45 (6), 788–802.
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6. Sober curious nation: one in three Americans are trying to drink less alcohol in 2023 (2023). NCSolutions. ncsolutions.com/the-goods/sober-curious-nation-alcohol-survey/. Accessed December 21, 2023.
7. Viudez-Martínez A, García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarrón CM, Morales-Calero MI, Navarrete F, Torres-Suárez AI, Manzanares J. Cannabidiol reduces ethanol consumption, motivation and relapse in mice. Addict Biol. 2018 Jan;23(1):154-164. doi: 10.1111/adb.12495. Epub 2017 Feb 13. PMID: 28194850.