California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation published in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach could significantly assist people reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Scenario
A team of Brown University carried out a unique experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was conducted on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Drinking
Outcomes revealed a marked decrease in drink consumption after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like weed.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that further study is required.
“It is premature to tell people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
