California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might significantly help individuals reduce their alcohol use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a unique study where participants received cannabis cigarettes to consume before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee subject realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results showed a marked reduction in drink intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink intake dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis could serve as a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
