🔗 Share this article

Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that adopting a “California sober” approach could significantly assist people reduce their drink use.

Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting

A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants received marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”.

• Participants had the option to consume up to 8 small drinks.
• The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis.

Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to ensure participant authenticity.

“We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.

Significant Results and Effects on Drinking

Outcomes showed a notable reduction in alcohol consumption after subjects smoked marijuana:

• Alcohol intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis.
• The drop was more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease compared to the control.

Broader Context and Future Research

Expanded legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.

At the same time, alcohol use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana.

Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.

Although marijuana could serve as a possible alternative to excessive drinking, researchers warn that further research is required.

“We’re not ready to advise individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.