Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might significantly help individuals lower their alcohol use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a unique study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results showed a marked reduction in alcohol consumption after subjects used cannabis:
- Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the control.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis might be a possible alternative to excessive drinking, researchers caution that more study is required.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
