Marijuana’s Effect on Heavy Drinkers: New Studies Emerge

In Arkansas, conversations around alcohol use often remain in the background, overshadowed by its social acceptability and cultural presence. Whether it's celebrating a Razorbacks win, attending a backyard cookout, or unwinding after a long shift, alcohol plays a prominent role in everyday life. But for some Arkansans, this habit can turn into something far more dangerous, regular, heavy drinking that impacts health, work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

As alcohol-related illnesses and dependency continue to affect families across the state, new research is shedding light on an unlikely aid: marijuana. And in a state where recreational use remains illegal, Arkansas’s medical marijuana program could provide a regulated, doctor-guided pathway to reduce alcohol dependence for qualifying patients.

Marijuana May Reduce Alcohol Consumption

A recent federally funded study conducted by researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado examined how marijuana affects alcohol consumption. The study tracked 62 adults who regularly consumed both marijuana and alcohol. When participants used marijuana before drinking, they consumed about 25% less alcohol on average than they did when drinking alone.

Even more striking? Participants also reported less desire to continue drinking when marijuana was introduced beforehand. This behavioral shift is now being considered a form of "substitution," where individuals replace or reduce alcohol use with marijuana.

For Arkansans who struggle with drinking, especially those already dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or trauma, this study may represent a turning point.

CBD and the Science Behind Craving Reduction

In addition to THC, another compound in marijuana, CBD, is drawing attention for its potential role in reducing alcohol cravings.

A clinical trial in Germany involved participants with diagnosed alcohol use disorder who were given either high-dose CBD or a placebo. The CBD group not only reported fewer cravings but also showed decreased brain activity in regions associated with reward-seeking behavior and addiction.

For Arkansas patients, CBD-based marijuana products are available through the state’s medical marijuana program. These non-intoxicating options can provide relief without the “high,” making them ideal for individuals seeking calm, clarity, and control in daily life.

Medical Marijuana in Arkansas

It’s important to clarify: recreational marijuana remains illegal in Arkansas. Any possession without a valid medical marijuana card is a criminal offense. Since 2016, the state has operated a comprehensive medical marijuana program, offering legal access to qualifying patients.

Approved cardholders are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days from licensed dispensaries. However, home cultivation is not allowed, meaning all marijuana must be obtained from regulated state sources.

This system ensures product safety, proper dosing, and patient protection, all vital for individuals using marijuana to manage serious health concerns or reduce alcohol use.

Are You Eligible?

While alcohol use disorder is not currently a qualifying condition on its own, many underlying causes of heavy drinking do qualify under Arkansas’s medical marijuana guidelines. These include:

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Positive status for HIV/AIDS

• Hepatitis C

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Tourette’s syndrome

• Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative colitis

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Severe arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Alzheimer’s disease

• A chronic or debilitating disease/medical condition/treatment that produces one or more of the following:

• Cachexia, or wasting syndrome​

• Intractable pain, or pain that has not responded to ordinary treatment or surgical methods for more than 6 months

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Seizures, including those characteristics of epilepsy

• Severe nausea

• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Many people turn to alcohol to manage these symptoms without realizing they may already be eligible for safer, legal alternatives. A consultation with a certified marijuana doctor can help determine whether your condition qualifies under Arkansas law.

Rethinking Alcohol Use in Arkansas

Medical marijuana may not be a cure for alcohol dependency, but mounting research supports its role as a valuable tool in harm reduction. THC has shown potential in easing cravings, while CBD may help calm the emotional and neurological triggers that often lead to alcohol use. For Arkansans looking for relief without the long-term consequences of drinking, marijuana offers a legal, doctor-recommended alternative worth exploring.

If alcohol has become your go-to for stress, pain, or emotional relief, it may be time to consider a different approach, one that supports healing rather than harm. Arkansas’s medical marijuana program allows qualifying patients to access safer, more sustainable solutions for managing underlying conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.

You don’t have to rely on alcohol to get through the day. With support from the state’s medical marijuana system and growing scientific backing, a new path is possible, one that prioritizes your well-being, your choices, and your future.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’ medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card!

Telemedicine makes it easy for you to renew your card from the comfort of your own home!

Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today!

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  Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here.