California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
Emerging research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach might substantially help individuals lower their drink use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Results showed a notable decrease in drink intake after participants used marijuana:
- Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, scientists warn that more research is needed.
“It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
