Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Intake
Emerging research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially assist people reduce their drink consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with varying THC potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like weed.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more research is needed.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
