Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” method might significantly help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where participants received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure subject realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in alcohol consumption after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by 19% after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis could serve as a possible solution to heavy drinking, scientists warn that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
