California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana Could Assist in Cutting Down Drinking Intake

New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a “California sober” approach could substantially assist people lower their alcohol use.

The Study and Bar Lab Scenario

A team of Brown University conducted a unique study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed simulated bar environment.

• Participants could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks.
• The trial was repeated on three occasions with different THC potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.

Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure participant authenticity.

“Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the principal investigator.

Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use

Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after subjects used marijuana:

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

Wider Trends and Additional Studies

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

At the same time, drink consumption is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like marijuana.

It is important to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.

Although marijuana might be a possible alternative to excessive drinking, scientists caution that more study is required.

“It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.