Going California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis Could Help Reducing Alcohol Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach could substantially help individuals lower their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that more research is required.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
