Going California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake
New scientific investigation published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially help individuals reduce their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received marijuana joints to smoke before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was conducted three separate times with different THC potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% marijuana.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a marked decrease in drink consumption after subjects used marijuana:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
- The drop was even more significant with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease versus the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade.
At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that further research is needed.
“It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
