Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake
New research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might significantly assist people reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with different THC potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after subjects used marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a record low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists caution that more study is required.
“It is premature to advise individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
