California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana May Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach might substantially assist people reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana might be a potential alternative to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that more research is required.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
