Higher Working Memory May Help Cannabis Reduce Alcohol Cravings | Research

The takeaway

In a controlled trial, people with higher working memory capacity experienced reduced alcohol urge after smoking high-potency cannabis, while those with lower working memory did not — suggesting cognitive factors shape who benefits from cannabis as an alcohol substitute.

Addiction researchers, harm reduction practitioners, clinicians treating alcohol use disorder, and individuals considering cannabis as an alcohol alternative.

What the researchers found

Participants with higher working memory (symmetry span task) reported significantly lower alcohol urge after smoking 7.2% THC cannabis vs. placebo, but this effect was not seen at 3.1% THC or among those with lower working memory capacity.

Why it matters

As more people consider using cannabis to reduce drinking, this study reveals that the benefit may depend on cognitive capacity — those with lower working memory may be less likely to experience reduced alcohol cravings from cannabis.

The numbers in context

N=125 (32% female); 3 sessions: placebo, 3.1% THC, 7.2% THC; significant urge reduction only at 7.2% THC for high-WMC individuals (symmetry span); n-back associated with overall urge but did not moderate cannabis effects

How the study worked

Randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial with 125 adults (ages 21-44) who were heavy alcohol users and frequent cannabis users, completing three sessions smoking placebo, 3.1% THC, and 7.2% THC cannabis, with pre/post alcohol urge ratings and working memory assessments.

What this study cannot tell us

Laboratory setting may not reflect real-world use; relatively low THC potency by current standards; dual-user sample limits generalizability; working memory measures showed inconsistent results across tasks; acute effects only.

How to read the evidence

Well-designed randomized crossover trial with within-subject comparisons, though limited by laboratory setting and relatively low THC concentrations.

When this study was published

Published 2026; uses controlled cannabis administration protocols.

The bigger picture

Individual differences in cognitive functioning may explain why cannabis substitution for alcohol works for some people but not others, pointing toward personalized approaches in harm reduction.

Questions still open

Would higher-potency THC show effects across all working memory levels? Does this cognitive moderation apply to other substance cravings? Could working memory training enhance cannabis's alcohol-reduction benefits?

Common questions

Can cannabis help reduce alcohol cravings?

It depends on the person — this study found that cannabis reduced alcohol urge only in people with higher working memory capacity, suggesting individual cognitive differences shape whether cannabis substitution works.

Why does working memory matter for cannabis and alcohol use?

Working memory helps regulate impulses and redirect attention. People with higher working memory may be better able to redirect their focus away from alcohol cravings when using cannabis.

Read the original research

Working memory capacity predicts cannabis-induced effects on alcohol urge.

Addictive behaviors, 174, 108565

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Gunn, Rachel L; Howe, Lindy K; Boyle, Holly K; Metrik, Jane. (2026). Working memory capacity predicts cannabis-induced effects on alcohol urge.. Addictive behaviors, 174, 108565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108565