Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake
New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially help individuals lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked reduction in alcohol consumption after participants smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption fell by 19% after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a possible solution to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author commented.
