Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly help individuals lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Participants could choose to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Results showed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that more research is required.
“It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
