🔗 Share this article California Sober: Research Suggests Cannabis Could Help Cutting Down Alcohol Intake New research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might significantly help individuals lower their drink consumption. Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”. Subjects had the option to drink up to eight small drinks. The trial was conducted on three occasions with varying THC potencies: 7.2%, moderate potency, and a placebo marijuana. Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant realism. “We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator. Key Findings and Impact on Drinking Outcomes showed a notable decrease in drink intake after participants smoked marijuana: Drink intake fell by 19% after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis. The drop was more pronounced with high-THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the placebo. Broader Context and Future Research Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like weed. Crucial to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. While cannabis might be a possible solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers warn that more research is required. “It is premature to advise people seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.