Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana May Help Reducing Alcohol Consumption
New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly help individuals lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a notable reduction in drink intake after participants smoked marijuana:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a record low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that more research is required.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
