Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach could significantly help individuals lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different THC potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked reduction in alcohol intake after participants smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana might be a potential solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers caution that further study is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
