California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis May Help Reducing Drinking Intake
New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly help individuals lower their alcohol use.
The Study and Controlled Environment Setting
Researchers from Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.
- Participants could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol levels: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant authenticity.
“We wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” explained the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use
Outcomes showed a marked reduction in alcohol consumption after participants smoked cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a possible alternative to heavy alcohol use, scientists caution that further research is required.
“We’re not ready to tell individuals in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher commented.
