California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might substantially assist people lower their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where participants received marijuana joints to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure subject realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a marked decrease in drink intake after participants used cannabis:
- Alcohol intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, scientists warn that further study is needed.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
