Going California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” method might significantly help individuals lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Participants could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results showed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis could serve as a potential alternative to heavy drinking, scientists caution that further study is required.
“We’re not ready to tell people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
