Going California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis May Help Reducing Drinking Intake
Emerging research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” method might significantly assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Drinking
Results revealed a marked decrease in drink consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, researchers caution that further research is needed.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
