California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Emerging research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” method could substantially assist people lower their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with varying THC levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a marked reduction in drink intake after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Drink intake fell by 19% after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis could serve as a potential solution to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more research is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
