Going California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption
New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might significantly assist people reduce their drink consumption.
The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Participants had the option to drink up to eight small drinks.
- The trial was conducted three separate times with different THC levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.
“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use
Results revealed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after subjects smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption fell by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- The drop was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.
At the same time, alcohol use is at a record low, with many turning to alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana might be a potential solution to excessive drinking, scientists warn that further study is required.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
