Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake
Emerging scientific investigation published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could significantly help individuals reduce their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Outcomes revealed a notable decrease in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana consumption, 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 marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis might be a possible alternative to excessive drinking, researchers warn that more research is needed.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.