California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
Emerging scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” method could significantly help individuals lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% 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 Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many turning to alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to heavy alcohol use, scientists warn that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to tell people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
