Going California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” approach could substantially assist people lower their drink consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a unique experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Participants could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with different THC potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes showed a marked decrease in drink intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol intake fell by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legal access has driven a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana might be a possible alternative to heavy drinking, scientists warn that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
