California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a “California sober” method could significantly assist people reduce their alcohol use.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying THC levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- Reduction was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists warn that further research is needed.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
