Going California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis Could Help Cutting Down Alcohol Intake
New research released 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 Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University carried out a novel study where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers warn that more study is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
