🔗 Share this article California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis May Assist in Reducing Drinking Consumption New research published in the prestigious psychiatry journal suggests that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach might substantially help individuals reduce their drink use. The Study and Controlled Environment Setting A team of Brown University carried out a unique study where volunteers were provided with cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”. Subjects could choose to consume up to 8 small drinks. The trial was repeated on three occasions with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana. Great care was taken to replicate a authentic bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to guarantee subject authenticity. “Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher. Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use Results showed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after subjects used cannabis: Alcohol intake fell by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC cannabis. The drop was more pronounced with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction compared to the placebo. Wider Trends and Future Research Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in cannabis usage, which has doubled over the last ten years. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like weed. Crucial to note that forty percent of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder. While cannabis could serve as a potential solution to heavy drinking, scientists caution that more research is required. “It is premature to tell individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” the lead researcher commented.