California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Help Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might substantially assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a notable reduction in alcohol intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legalization has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink use is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis might be a potential solution to excessive drinking, scientists warn that more research is needed.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
