California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis Could Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might substantially assist people lower their drink use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in drink consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a possible solution to excessive drinking, scientists warn that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
