Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially assist people lower their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a unique study where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption fell by 19% after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has driven a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more study is required.
“It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
