Going California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis May Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
Emerging scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” method could substantially assist people reduce their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a notable decrease in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While marijuana could serve as a potential solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
