# Acute Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Craving and Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/thc-for-alcohol-craving-randomized-controlled-trial/
> **Published:** 2026-09-17T14:03:24-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-17T21:43:48-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Clinicians should be aware of the complex relationship between cannabis use and alcohol consumption.

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Objective: Cannabis use is strongly linked with heavy drinking and worse alcohol treatment outcomes; however, it may also contribute to decreased alcohol consumption. To date, no human studies have established a causal effect of cannabis on alcohol motivation. The aim of this double-blind crossover randomized clinical trial is to examine dose-dependent acute effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on alcohol craving and consumption. Methods: Across three experimental days, 157 participants reporting heavy alcohol use and cannabis use ≥twice weekly were randomized to smoke placebo, 3.1% THC, and 7.2% THC cigarette followed by exposures to neutral and personalized alcohol cues and an Alcohol Choice Task for alcohol self-administration. 138 participants completed ≥two experimental sessions (Mean(SD) age: 25.6(5.1) years; 35% women; 45% ethnic/racial minorities). Primary outcomes include craving, Alcohol Craving Questionnaire-Short Form-Revised (ACQ-SF-R) and an alcohol urge question; secondary outcome was percent of total available ml of alcohol consumed. Results: There were no significant effects of cannabis on the ACQ-SF-R post-smoking and during alcohol cue exposure, but 7.2% THC reduced alcohol urge immediately post smoking. Participants consumed significantly less alcohol after smoking cannabis with 3.1% THC and 7.2% THC, reducing consumption by 19% and 27%, respectively. Conclusions: Following cannabis abstinence, smoking cannabis acutely decreased alcohol consumption compared to placebo. Further controlled research on a variety of cannabinoids is needed to inform clinical alcohol treatment guidelines.

 

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).