Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Help Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Emerging scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” approach could significantly help individuals lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Drinking
Results showed a notable decrease in alcohol consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential solution to heavy alcohol use, scientists warn that further study is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author commented.
