Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly help individuals reduce their drink use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects had the option to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in drink consumption after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the control.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a possible alternative to excessive drinking, researchers caution that further research is needed.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.