Alcohol, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 26.01.2026
Univ Michigan Study Finds People Who Use Cannabis Drinks Reduce Alcohol Consumption, Even More that Those Who Use Other Cannabis Products
Editors' note: Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider. Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks or CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. It is unknown whether the effects of alcohol plus cannabis are cumulative and users ingesting both products should be especially cautious to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness and judgement.
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
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Dr. Kruger .[/caption]
Daniel J. Kruger, PhD
Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan
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Dr. Kruger[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
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Dr. Felicione[/caption]
Response: Alcohol consumption, especially heavy alcohol consumption, is associated with many health risks and nearly 200 different health conditions and diseases. Reducing alcohol consumption reduces the risks and harms from alcohol. Previous research has demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption when they have access to cannabis. Cannabis beverages have emerged in States where cannabis is legal for adult or medical use.
Dr. Kruger .[/caption]
Daniel J. Kruger, PhD
Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan
[caption id="attachment_72136" align="alignleft" width="100"]
Dr. Kruger[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
[caption id="attachment_72137" align="alignleft" width="100"]
Dr. Felicione[/caption]
Response: Alcohol consumption, especially heavy alcohol consumption, is associated with many health risks and nearly 200 different health conditions and diseases. Reducing alcohol consumption reduces the risks and harms from alcohol. Previous research has demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption when they have access to cannabis. Cannabis beverages have emerged in States where cannabis is legal for adult or medical use.
Dr. Lopes[/caption]
Gilberto Lopes, M.D.
Professor, Chief, Division of Medical Oncology
Associate Director for the Cancer Center and
Medical Director for International Affairs
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: There is growing evidence linking alcohol consumption to increased cancer risk and mortality. This association was recently emphasized by the former U.S. Surgeon General, prompting renewed public health interest. In response to these concerns, under the mentorship of Dr. Lopes, we evaluated national trends in alcohol-associated cancer mortality using data from the Global Burden of Disease database.
Prof. Durazzo[/caption]
Timothy C. Durazzo, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Scientist
Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Centers
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University School of Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
-There are a limited number of studies investigating changes in human brain structure, in individuals with an alcohol use disorder, with longer term abstinence after treatment.
-Our study was the first to assess for change in cortical thickness over approximately 7 months of abstinence in those seeking treatment of alcohol use disorder.
-Cortical thickness in humans is genetically and phenotypically distinct from other brain structural measures such as cortical volume and surface area.
-Therefore, assessment of changes in cortical thickness with longer-term abstinence provides additional information on how human brain structure recovers with sobriety.
Dr. Wong[/caption]
Mitchell Wong, MD PhD
Professor of Medicine
Executive Vice Chair for Research Training
Department of Medicine
Executive Co-Director, Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Program
Director, UCLA CTSI KL2 Program
UCLA Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research Los Angeles, CA 90024
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: It is estimated that social factors like poverty, education, and housing have a large impact on health. Yet, there are few interventions that exist to directly address those issues. Schools are a promising solution since society already invests heavily in education and schools are an everyday part of most children’s lives.
Dr. Mezue[/caption]
Kenechukwu Ndubisi Mezue, M.D
Fellow in 