Going California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Consumption
New research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a “California sober” method could substantially help individuals lower their drink use.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.
Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure subject authenticity.
“We wanted 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
Outcomes showed a notable reduction in drink intake after participants smoked cannabis:
- Drink consumption dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis.
- Reduction was even more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a 27% decrease versus the control.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the last ten years.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many turning to alternatives like marijuana.
Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While marijuana might be a possible solution to heavy drinking, researchers caution that further research is needed.
“It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
