Alcohol and Cannabis Dual Use

During April, the Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD) promotes safe and responsible alcohol sales, service, and consumption.

Dual Use Awareness Matters

Alcohol and Cannabis Together Can Increase Risk

Alcohol and cannabis each affect the body on their own. When used together, the effects are stronger, less predictable, and more dangerous.

As a seller or server, understanding dual use is essential to protecting people and preventing harm.

Why Alcohol and Cannabis Together Are Risky

Using alcohol and cannabis at the same time can:

  • Intensify impairment
  • Slow reaction time and judgment
  • Increase nausea, dizziness, and anxiety
  • Raise the risk of accidents and injuries
  • Make intoxication harder to recognize

Someone who seems fine at first can become over-impaired quickly.

Signs of Possible Co-Use or Overconsumption

Watch closely for signs that may indicate alcohol, cannabis, or both are affecting a person:

  • Slurred or slowed speech
  • Poor balance or delayed reactions
  • Confusion, difficulty focusing, or memory lapses
  • Red or glassy eyes
  • Strong odor of alcohol or cannabis
  • Unusual anxiety, agitation, or lethargy
  • Rapid changes in behavior or mood

Trust what you see. Your observation matters.

When to Deny Service or Sale

You must deny service or sale if a person:

  • Appears intoxicated or impaired
  • Shows signs of overconsumption
  • Cannot safely make decisions
  • Becomes aggressive, emotional, or uncooperative

You do not need proof of cannabis use.

Observable impairment is enough.

You Are the Front-line Professional

Dual-use situations require extra caution. Your role is to:

  • Slow things down
  • Refuse service when needed
  • Protect the individual and others
  • Prevent serious harm
One responsible decision can prevent an unsafe situation from escalating.

Remember

Alcohol responsibility does not stop at one substance.

When alcohol and cannabis mix, the risk increases.

  • Patrons safe
  • Roads safer
  • Communities stronger

Pause. Observe. Protect. Alcohol Responsibility Matters.

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Empowering Montanans to make informed, responsible alcohol decisions.
Because Alcohol Responsibility Matters!