California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana Could Help Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Emerging scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach might significantly assist people lower their drink use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with different THC levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was even more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.