Canadian beer consumption has fallen since cannabis was legalized nationwide

As cannabis legalization continues to gain momentum, a new trend is emerging in the beverage industry. According to national data, beer sales have declined since cannabis was legalized. Although experts predict it may take years or even a generation for this trend to fully manifest itself, early signs point to a shift in consumer preferences.

But so far, many have found relief in the newfound ability to buy cannabis with clear information about its THC and CBD levels and strain. By experimenting with different products, many people have discovered the perfect combination that helps them unwind and relax at the end of the day. They are now choosing cannabis over alcohol as a safer alternative. In fact, a significant percentage say cannabis might be something they prefer to alcohol to unwind and mark the end of the day.

As more consumers switch to cannabis, the beer industry may need to adjust to a new reality. But while it’s too early to tell the full extent of this shift, it’s clear that cannabis legalization is impacting the beverage market.

The beer industry takes the hit

The beer industry is seeing an increase in cannabis legalization across Canada. According to statistics, beer sales have declined significantly in provinces with a high concentration of retail cannabis outlets, such as Newfoundland and Labrador and the Three Prairie Provinces. However, this trend is less pronounced in provinces like Ontario and Quebec, which have been slower in establishing a retail cannabis market. Additionally, the effect is less pronounced in British Columbia, where cannabis was more readily available prior to legalization.

The only exception to this trend are the three marine provinces, where beer consumption remains flat despite increased cannabis use. Additionally, the decline in beer sales has amplified in provinces that are actively expanding their cannabis retail networks, such as Alberta. In December 2019, for example, sales of bottled and canned domestic beer in Alberta fell 6.4% year-over-year.

According to Rebecca Haines-Saah, a health sociologist at the University of Calgary, this trend may be because cannabis is now a legal substance and people prefer the experience of feeling high to alcohol. She notes that while the alcohol market is not going away, it is being replaced by cannabis use.

A change in consumer behavior

Experts are also observing a change in consumer behavior. Dan Malleck, a health policy historian at Brock University, notes that this shift is “quite significant” as more people choose cannabis over beer, whiskey or other spirits to relax at the end of the day.

Haines-Saah, a health sociologist, suggests that this trend may be due to people looking for a healthier substance to help them detach from life’s stressors. She notes that people are turning to cannabis for relief to improve their quality of life and promote relaxation. Additionally, when people weigh the harms and benefits of cannabis versus alcohol or prescription drugs, they may find that cannabis is a safer and more effective option.

Experts point out that cannabis could be a safer alternative to alcohol. A lower percentage of users become addicted to cannabis than to alcohol, and alcohol is linked to a variety of health conditions, including cancer and liver disease.

As people age, they tend to have trouble sleeping and have to deal with various stressors such as children, aging parents, work and financial worries. Faced with these challenges, more people may be turning to cannabis for relief. However, the low societal acceptance of alcohol can hinder the switch to cannabis. Everyone interviewed by Global News acknowledged that while the switch to cannabis is significant, it can take some time to fully complete.

Despite the increasing acceptance of cannabis consumption, it is still considered to be less socially accepted than alcohol consumption, especially in the social environment. Anindya Sen, an economist from the University of Waterloo, notes that it’s uncertain how long it will take for this perception to change, as many people still see cannabis as a gateway to more dangerous substances.

However, Haines-Saah, a health sociologist, sees this shift as a potential public health benefit. She notes that based on current evidence, it would be more beneficial to legalize cannabis and make alcohol and tobacco illegal due to their higher net health harms. Furthermore, she points out that the harms associated with cannabis are primarily due to the prohibition and not to the substance itself.

Some experts even jokingly claim that if everyone used cannabis at a hockey game, there would be no more riots or fights in the streets after a Stanley Cup final, as cannabis has a calming effect on individuals.

A complex relationship between alcohol and cannabis

The relationship between alcohol and cannabis use is complex and not fully understood, given that legal cannabis has only recently become widespread. However, early research suggests that certain forms of alcohol use may decrease as legal cannabis becomes more accessible.

A study in the United States found that binge drinking among students in states where cannabis is legal was less common and has become even less common after legalization. The study’s authors suggest that when cannabis and alcohol are similarly available from legal sources, fewer people will turn to alcohol, resulting in less problematic alcohol use.

Cannabis-infused beverages, which release the effects of THC faster than edibles, may also help reduce alcohol consumption. However, producing cannabis beverages on a large scale has proven to be a challenge for manufacturers. Currently, cannabis-infused beverages, with the exception of tea, are not widely available in Canada.

A separate 2017 study in the United States also found that the availability of medicinal cannabis led to a significant drop in alcohol sales. A 2018 survey of self-reported cannabis users also found that nearly half of respondents would drink less alcohol if cannabis were legalized. However, it should be noted that intentions and actual behavior may differ.

Conclusion

While the relationship between cannabis and alcohol use is complex and not fully understood, early research suggests that certain forms of alcohol use may decrease as legal cannabis becomes more accessible.

Studies conducted in Canada have shown that binge drinking among students is less common in provinces where cannabis is legal, and has become even less common after legalization. In addition, cannabis-infused beverages may also help reduce alcohol consumption.

However, it should be noted that the relationship between cannabis and alcohol is still an evolving area of ​​research and further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of cannabis legalization on alcohol consumption.

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