Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly assist people reduce their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where participants received marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a marked reduction in drink intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has driven a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis could serve as a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that further study is required.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
