California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach could significantly assist people lower their drink use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University carried out a novel study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different THC potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a notable reduction in alcohol consumption after subjects used cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by 19% after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a potential solution to heavy drinking, researchers caution that further research is required.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
