Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Drinking Intake
Emerging scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” approach could significantly assist people reduce their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes revealed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol intake fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a possible solution to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that further research is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
