California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” method might substantially assist people reduce their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a notable reduction in alcohol consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis might be a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, scientists warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
