Here’s a surprising revelation that might just flip your perspective: living close to cannabis shops doesn’t just increase your likelihood of using cannabis—it could also mean you’re drinking less alcohol. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this trade-off a win for public health, or does it open the door to new concerns? A groundbreaking study from Oregon State University (OSU) dives into this complex relationship, shedding light on how proximity to cannabis retailers influences both cannabis use and alcohol consumption among adults.
Led by OSU scientist David Kerr, the research analyzed nine years of data from over 60,000 Oregonians through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The findings? People living near more cannabis shops were more likely to use cannabis 10 or more days per month. And this is the part most people miss: those same individuals were less likely to engage in heavy drinking, defined by the CDC as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s unpack the nuances.
The study didn’t require participants to know the locations of nearby cannabis stores—researchers linked ZIP codes to licensed retailer addresses to determine proximity. Kerr, a professor of psychological science, emphasized that the effects were most pronounced in two age groups: young adults aged 21-24 and seniors aged 65 and older. Here’s the kicker: for young adults, whose brains are still developing, increased cannabis access could exacerbate risks like cannabis use disorder, a condition marked by continued use despite negative consequences such as social problems or impaired judgment.
For older adults, the story is equally complex. While cannabis is often perceived as a safer alternative to opioids for chronic pain, its use isn’t without risks, especially when not evidence-based. Kerr notes, ‘It’s a complicated picture… less drinking is better for your health, but cannabis isn’t risk-free.’ This raises a critical question: Are we trading one set of health challenges for another?
The study also highlights how cannabis products are marketed in ways that appeal to young adults, who often live in areas with high retail access and may gravitate toward high-potency products. Kerr suggests that age-informed, multilevel prevention efforts are essential. Communities could benefit from policies that balance the goals of cannabis legalization with potential harms, such as regulating retail access and addressing marketing practices.
Now, here’s the controversial part: Should we view the reduction in alcohol consumption as a public health victory, or does increased cannabis use among vulnerable populations outweigh the benefits? Kerr doubts people choose their neighborhoods based on cannabis availability, but he acknowledges that greater access likely influences behavior. With Oregon’s recreational cannabis sales beginning in 2015, the state’s unique regulatory landscape—allowing counties and cities to ban retail operations—provides a fascinating case study.
As the findings prepare to be published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, they spark a broader conversation: How do we navigate the complexities of cannabis legalization while protecting public health? What do you think? Is the reduction in alcohol consumption worth the potential risks of increased cannabis use, especially among young adults and seniors? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
