California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana May Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly help individuals lower their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Drink consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a historic low, with many opting for alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis could serve as a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that further study is needed.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author commented.
