Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” method might significantly help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a unique experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results showed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after participants smoked marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential solution to excessive drinking, researchers warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
