California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
Emerging research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a unique study where volunteers received marijuana joints to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with varying THC levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a marked reduction in drink intake after participants used cannabis:
- Alcohol intake fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has driven a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis might be a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
