California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Help Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a “California sober” approach could substantially assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure subject realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Effects on Drinking
Results showed a marked reduction in drink consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has driven a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that more study is needed.
“We’re not ready to tell people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
