California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Intake
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially help individuals lower their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a unique study where participants received marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink intake after participants used cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis might be a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that more study is required.
“We’re not ready to tell people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
