Going California Sober: Research Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake

New research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach could significantly help individuals lower their alcohol use.

The Study and Bar Lab Scenario

Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.

• Participants could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
• The experiment was conducted on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.

Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.

“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.

Significant Results and Effects on Drinking

Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after subjects smoked cannabis:

• Alcohol consumption dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
• The drop was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the control.

Wider Trends and Future Research

Increased legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the past decade.

Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.

It is important to note that forty percent of trial subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.

Although cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, scientists warn that more study is required.

“It is premature to tell individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.