California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly assist people reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before visiting a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Participants could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Results revealed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Alcohol intake fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that more study is needed.
“It is premature to tell people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
