California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis May Help Cutting Down Drinking Intake
Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might substantially assist people reduce their drink use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before visiting a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Results revealed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake dropped by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, scientists caution that further study is required.
“We’re not ready to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
