Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake
Emerging scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially assist people reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different THC levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure subject realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a marked decrease in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana could serve as a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, researchers caution that further study is required.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
