California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake

New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could substantially help individuals lower their drink consumption.

Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting

Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.

  • Participants had the option to drink up to 8 small drinks.
  • The experiment was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis.

Significant effort was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism.

“Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator.

Key Findings and Effects on Drinking

Results revealed a marked decrease in alcohol consumption after participants used cannabis:

  • Alcohol intake dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC cannabis.
  • The drop was more pronounced with 7.2% THC marijuana, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control.

Broader Context and Additional Studies

Increased legal access has driven a major surge in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.

At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with many turning to substitutes like weed.

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

Although cannabis might be a possible solution to excessive drinking, scientists warn that more study is needed.

“It is premature to tell individuals seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
Scott Horn
Scott Horn

A passionate tech writer and software engineer with over a decade of experience in the industry.