California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana Could Help Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly help individuals reduce their drink use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where participants received marijuana joints to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes revealed a marked reduction in drink intake after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, researchers caution that further study is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
