Going California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could substantially assist people lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to consume before entering a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was conducted on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject realism.
“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator.
Significant Results and Impact on Drinking
Results showed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked cannabis:
- Drink consumption dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the placebo.
Wider Trends and Additional Studies
Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like marijuana.
It is important to note that forty percent of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While marijuana could serve as a potential solution to excessive alcohol use, researchers caution that further study is required.
“It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.
