California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis Could Help Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could significantly assist people reduce their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a unique experiment where participants received cannabis cigarettes to consume before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with many turning to alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to heavy drinking, researchers caution that further research is needed.
“It is premature to tell people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
