California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might substantially help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants used cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to heavy drinking, researchers caution that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
