Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially assist people lower their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with different 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 beer taps to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable reduction in drink intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While marijuana could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists warn that further research is needed.
“We’re not ready to tell people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
