Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Help Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
Emerging research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially help individuals reduce their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many turning to alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author commented.
