California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
Emerging scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might significantly help individuals lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Drink consumption dropped by 19% after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis might be a possible solution to heavy drinking, scientists warn that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.
