California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake fell by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a record low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis could serve as a possible solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that further research is needed.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
