California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” method might significantly assist people reduce their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after participants used cannabis:
- Drink intake dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana might be a possible alternative to heavy drinking, scientists warn that more study is required.
“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
