Going California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis Could Help Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially assist people reduce their drink consumption.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting
A team of Brown University conducted a novel experiment where participants received marijuana joints to consume before entering a specially designed simulated bar environment.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject realism.
“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher.
Key Findings and Effects on Drinking
Results revealed a notable decrease in drink intake after subjects used cannabis:
- Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the placebo.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Increased legalization has driven a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like weed.
Crucial to note that forty percent of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
While cannabis might be a potential solution to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more research is required.
“We’re not ready to advise people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.
