California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis Could Help Reducing Alcohol Intake
Emerging scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” method could significantly assist people reduce their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a unique study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Results revealed a notable reduction in alcohol consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis might be a potential solution to heavy drinking, researchers caution that further study is required.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
