Going California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis Could Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might significantly help individuals lower their alcohol use.
Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Scenario
Researchers from Brown University carried out a unique experiment where volunteers received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.
- Participants had the option to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana.
Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant 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 alcohol intake after participants used marijuana:
- Alcohol intake fell by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana.
- The drop was even more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the placebo.
Broader Context and Future Research
Expanded legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the past decade.
At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
While cannabis could serve as a potential alternative to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more study is required.
“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.