California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
Emerging scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could significantly assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a marked reduction in alcohol intake after participants used cannabis:
- Alcohol intake fell by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis might be a possible solution to heavy alcohol use, scientists caution that more study is needed.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
