Going California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly assist people lower their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying THC levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure subject realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results showed a notable decrease in drink consumption after participants smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol intake fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana might be a potential solution to heavy drinking, researchers caution that more study is needed.
“We’re not ready to tell people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
