As it it becomes available to more people, there is a positive health change going on according to data.

Cannabis is becoming more mainstream and and the side effects are doing even better than expected.  It seems the availability of legal marijuana is helping with the health of the general population. Studies in California, Canada and the now New Zealand have shown the upside of legalization. While cannabis has been used for health benefits for millions of years, reduction in more harmful intoxication products is another important wellness trend.

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Alcohol consumption is associated with significant health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers. In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 36,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to chronic alcohol use, while there is no comparable category for marijuana-related deaths. Alcohol is also much more addictive than marijuana, causing long term physical and mental issues.

A study from New Zealand has found some interesting trends regarding the relationship between marijuana legalization and the consumption of alcohol and opioids.

Following the legalization of marijuana in New Zealand, researchers observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption:

• There was a 6-9% decrease in the frequency of binge drinking among adults aged 21 and older.
• The study found no significant impact on underage drinking rates among those aged 12-20.

This suggests for adults, marijuana may be serving as a substitute for alcohol in some cases, particularly when it comes to heavy drinking episodes.

The relationship between marijuana legalization and opioid use appears more complex:

• There was no clear evidence of marijuana legalization directly reducing opioid use or abuse.
• However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users.
• The likelihood of transitioning from opioid use to opioid use disorders among cannabis users was found to be 2.52 times higher than non-cannabis users.

The study also revealed some additional findings regarding substance use patterns:

• Marijuana use increased by 16% among adults aged 21 and older following legalization.
• There was a 5-6% increase in marijuana use initiation among adolescents and young adults aged 12-20. This would be go with the greater North American trend of California sober and Gen Z drifting away from alcohol and more into marijuana.
• No significant changes were observed in the use of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin in any age group.

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These findings suggest while marijuana legalization may lead to decreased alcohol consumption among adults, it does not necessarily translate to reduced use of other substances, particularly opioids. The relationship between cannabis use and other substance use behaviors is complex and multifaceted. Time and more research should yield more benefits.

It seems everywhere you turn it is all politics….you just need a break and these cocktails may help!

The nation is in the final throes of the election and it has been brutal. You can’t turn around without donation requests, outrage or just news news news. According to a study, it is the most stressful election to date. It could be a good idea to tune out and breathe for a bit.  Here are the best cocktails to forget politics and have some fun.

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Gin Ricky

The Gin Rickey originated in Washington, D.C. in the 1880s. Bartender George A. Williamson created the drink at Shoomaker’s Bar after witnessing Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joseph Kyle Rickey add a lime to his bourbon highball. The drink was named after  the Colonel Rickey, who was known for drinking bourbon with soda and lime. The Gin Rickey became more popular than the original bourbon version, and was especially popular during Prohibition. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• Club soda, to top
• Lime slice for garnish

Create

1. Fill a highball glass with ice and add the gin and lime juice
2. Top with club soda
3. Garnish with lime slice

El Presidente

This classic Cuban cocktail is likely named after President Mario García Menocal, who served from 1913 to 1921. The El Presidente became popular in Havana during the 1920s and 1930s, when many Americans visited Cuba to escape Prohibition. After Prohibition was lifted, Americans brought the cocktail back to the United States. It bring a little tropical sun and fun to any day or moment.

• 1 1/2 ounces white rum
• 3/4 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/4 ounce orange curaçao
• 2 dashes grenadine

Create

1. Add the white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao and grenadine to a mixing glass with ice
2. tir until well-chilled
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Vesper

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A Shandy Maker

The shandy originated in England in the 1850s as a mixture of beer and ginger ale or ginger beer, and was originally called a shandygaff (what a name!). By the late 19th century, the ginger ale was replaced by lemonade or lemon soda, and the “gaff” was dropped to shorten the word to “shandy”.  By adding a brown liquor, this ups the alcohol and richness of flavor.  Perfect to take you mind off politics.

Ingredients

• 2 to 4 leaves fresh marjoram
• 1 3/4 ounces 100-proof bourbon
• 3/4 ounce grapefruit juice
• 1/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 3 ounces chilled IPA or another beer
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Create

1. In a mixing glass, dry-muddle the marjoram.
2. Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and simple syrup into the mixing glass. Fill with ice and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a pint glass over fresh ice.
4. Top with the beer and stir briefly and gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.