California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could substantially assist people reduce their alcohol use.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University carried out a novel study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with different THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results showed a notable reduction in drink consumption after subjects used cannabis:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis could serve as a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that more study is needed.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
