California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
Emerging research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” method could significantly help individuals reduce their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel study where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Results revealed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana might be a possible solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that further study is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
