Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Help Reducing Alcohol Consumption
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a “California sober” method might significantly assist people lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers received marijuana joints to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana could serve as a possible solution to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more research is needed.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
