California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis Could Help Reducing Drinking Intake

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

The Study and Bar Lab Setting

Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a specially designed “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: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.

Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject realism.

“Our goal was to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the principal investigator.

Significant Results and Impact on Drinking

Outcomes revealed a notable reduction in drink consumption after participants used cannabis:

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

Broader Context and Future Research

Expanded legalization has driven a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.

Meanwhile, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like weed.

Crucial to note that forty percent of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence.

Although cannabis might be a possible solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that further study is needed.

“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.