California Sober: Study Suggests Marijuana Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Intake

Emerging scientific investigation published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach could significantly help individuals lower their alcohol use.

The Study and Bar Lab Setting

Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where participants were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.

• Participants had the option to consume up to 8 small drinks.
• The experiment was conducted on three occasions with varying THC levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.

Great care was taken to replicate a authentic 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,” explained the principal investigator.

Significant Results and Impact on Drinking

Results revealed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects smoked marijuana:

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

Wider Trends and Future Research

Increased legalization has spurred a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.

Meanwhile, drink consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like marijuana.

Crucial to note that 40% of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.

Although cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive drinking, scientists caution that further research is needed.

“We’re not ready to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.