Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Help Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially assist people lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying THC potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Results showed a marked reduction in drink consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana might be a potential solution to heavy drinking, scientists caution that more research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
