Alcohol and Cannabinoids - From the Editors.

Abstract

Alcohol is frequently used in association with cannabis, with co-use now perceived as normative with expanding cannabis legalization. Cannabinoid products are increasingly used for a number of medical and recreational purposes, including to enhance alcohol-reinforcing properties or in some cases to substitute for alcohol. Rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are higher among cannabis users relative to nonusers, with approximately 60% of individuals with current cannabis use disorder also meeting criteria for current AUD. 1,2 Co-use is linked with heavy and problematic alcohol consumption, which in turn increases risk of alcohol-related diseases such as alcohol-associated liver disease. Co-use is also linked with a number of negative consequences, including behavioral risks, 3 risk for driving safety, psychiatric comorbidity,