Going California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially assist people lower their drink use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before visiting a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana might be a possible alternative to heavy drinking, researchers warn that more research is required.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
