California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Intake
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could significantly help individuals lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink consumption dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana might be a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
