Going California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana Could Help Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University conducted a novel study where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to consume before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to ensure participant realism.
“We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While marijuana could serve as a possible alternative to heavy drinking, scientists warn that more study is required.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
