Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could significantly assist people lower their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink intake after subjects used cannabis:
- Drink consumption dropped by 19% after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
Meanwhile, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis might be a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.