Why it matters: A study in Canada shows that beer sales have decreased since cannabis legalization began in 2018.
What they are saying: The study found that there was a significant reduction in beer sales after legalization, while spirit sales remained unaffected. Researchers believe that some people may be substituting cannabis for alcohol, but not necessarily using both concurrently.
The big picture: The decline in beer sales post-legalization suggests a shift away from beer towards legal cannabis. Western provinces experienced larger declines in beer sales compared to Central and Atlantic provinces.
What to watch: Further research is needed to understand the potential health effects of switching from alcohol to cannabis. Studies have shown that abstaining from alcohol can have positive effects on brain health.
My take: The findings of this study highlight the impact of cannabis legalization on alcohol sales and consumer behavior. It is interesting to see how individuals may be choosing cannabis over alcohol and the potential implications this may have on public health and substance use trends.