California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might significantly assist people lower their alcohol use.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received marijuana joints to smoke before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable reduction in alcohol consumption after subjects used cannabis:
- Drink consumption dropped by 19% after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis might be a possible solution to heavy drinking, scientists caution that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
