Medical Cannabis Legalization Reduces Tobacco and Amphetamine Use
- barneyelias0
- 2h
- 1 min read
September 18 2025
Key Findings
Legal medical cannabis sales show a strong negative link with tobacco use.
People may choose cannabis over cigarettes, indicating a substitution effect.
Amphetamine use also decreases with legal medical cannabis sales.
Economic Impact
Legalization drives steady growth in medical cannabis sales.
Countries see an average annual increase of 26.06 tons in sales.
Excluding the U.S., the increase is 20.05 tons, still showing market growth.
A well-regulated market creates economic benefits.
Clear licensing, production standards, and access pathways are vital.
Removing barriers and improving education supports a sustainable market.
Study Details
Data from 20 countries shows population-level trends, not individual causation.
Legal cannabis markets reshape consumer behavior and expand regulated markets.
The study informs debates on legalization, public health, and economic policy.
Related Research
Cannabis use is linked to lower alcohol intake and cravings in heavy drinkers (Nature journal study).
CBD may reduce alcohol consumption, per a University of Sydney study.
CBD could treat alcohol use disorder by easing withdrawal and preventing relapse (Nature journal study).
One in three millennials and Gen Z workers prefer THC drinks over alcohol for after-work activities, per a poll of 1,000 young professionals.
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