California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis Could Help Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a “California sober” approach might substantially assist people reduce their alcohol consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a unique study where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a real-life 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 really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption fell by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink use is at a record low, with many turning to alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While marijuana might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, researchers caution that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author commented.
