California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Help Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” method could substantially help individuals reduce their drink consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying THC potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a notable reduction in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a record low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy drinking, researchers warn that more research is required.
“It is premature to tell people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
