California Sober: Research Suggests Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption

Emerging scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” approach might significantly assist people lower their drink consumption.

The Study and Controlled Environment Scenario

Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.

• Participants had the option to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
• The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.

Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure subject realism.

“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.

Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use

Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after subjects used marijuana:

• Alcohol consumption fell by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC marijuana.
• Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.

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.

Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a record low, with many turning to alternatives like marijuana.

It is important to note that forty percent of study participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.

Although cannabis might be a potential solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that further research is required.

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