California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a “California sober” method could substantially 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 smoke before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated three separate times with different THC potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Results showed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants used marijuana:
- Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.
Broader Context and Additional Studies
Expanded legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential alternative to heavy alcohol use, researchers caution that more research is needed.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
