Patterns of Cannabis and Alcohol Co-Use: Substitution Versus Complementary Effects.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to discuss the literature regarding the concurrent use (co-use) of alcohol and cannabis and competing hypotheses as to whether cannabis acts as a substitute for (i.e., replacing the effects of alcohol, resulting in decreased use) or a complement to (i.e., used to enhance the effects of alcohol, resulting in increased use) alcohol. The impact of cannabis use on alcohol-related outcomes has received increased attention in the wake of ongoing legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. Evidence for both hypotheses exists in the literature across a broad range of data collection methods and samples and is carefully reviewed here. In addition, various mechanisms by which cannabis may act as an alcohol substitute or complemen

SUBMITTER: Gunn RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8855954 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature