Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
Emerging scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” method might significantly help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel study where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying THC levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in drink consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, researchers caution that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
