Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” method could substantially assist people reduce their alcohol use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Drink consumption dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- Reduction was even more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana might be a possible solution to excessive drinking, researchers caution that more research is required.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.