California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially assist people lower their drink use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Results revealed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants smoked cannabis:
- Drink intake fell by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more significant with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the control.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Although cannabis could serve as a potential solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that further research is required.
“It is premature to tell people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
