California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Help Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might substantially help individuals lower their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where participants received marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying THC potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Drink intake dropped by 19% after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that more research is required.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
