Legalising cannabis ‘linked to increased alcohol consumption’

The pattern was more likely among young adults aged 18 to 24 and men, reports Aisha Rimi

The recreational use of cannabis has been legalised in 21 states in the US (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The legaliastion of recreational cannabis has led to a slight increase in alcohol consumption, a study has shown.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh looked at data for over 4.2 million adults across the US between 2010 and 2019, during which 11 states legalised recreational cannabis.

The study, published by the journal JAMA Health Forum, found that cannabis use “increases the probability that people drink, at least in the three years after legalisation”.