🔗 Share this article California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption New scientific investigation released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method could substantially help individuals lower their drink consumption. The Study and Controlled Environment Setting A team of Brown University carried out a novel study where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before entering a carefully constructed “bar lab”. Subjects had the option to consume up to 8 small drinks. The trial was repeated three separate times with varying THC levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis. Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure participant authenticity. “We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” explained the lead researcher. Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use Results showed a notable decrease in drink consumption after participants used cannabis: Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after using 3.1% THC marijuana. Reduction was even more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control. Wider Trends and Future Research Expanded legal access has driven a significant rise in cannabis consumption, which has increased twofold over the last ten years. At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for alternatives like weed. It is important to note that forty percent of study participants met the criteria for alcohol use disorder. While marijuana might be a potential alternative to heavy drinking, scientists caution that further study is needed. “It is premature to tell people seeking treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author commented.