Going California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could substantially assist people lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes revealed a notable decrease in alcohol consumption after participants smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a possible solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
