California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach might significantly assist people reduce their drink consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Participants had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different THC potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a notable reduction in alcohol intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana might be a possible solution to excessive drinking, researchers warn that more research is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
