Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana May Help Cutting Down Drinking Intake

New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could significantly help individuals reduce their drink use.

Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting

A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.

• Subjects had the option to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
• The trial was repeated three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.

Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant authenticity.

“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the principal investigator.

Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use

Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked cannabis:

• Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
• Reduction was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control.

Wider Trends and Additional Studies

Increased legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.

At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.

It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.

Although cannabis could serve as a potential alternative to heavy alcohol use, scientists warn that more study is required.

“We’re not ready to tell people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.