Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a “California sober” approach might substantially help individuals lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake fell by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, scientists warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
