California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” approach might significantly help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where participants received marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana might be a possible solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
