Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could significantly assist people lower their alcohol use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, researchers warn that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
