Going California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly help individuals reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out 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 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked reduction in alcohol intake after subjects used cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more research is needed.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
