Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially assist people reduce their drink use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Participants had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in alcohol consumption after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Drink intake 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.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many turning to alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis could serve as a possible solution to excessive drinking, researchers caution that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
