🔗 Share this article California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Help Reducing Alcohol Intake Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach could significantly assist people reduce their alcohol use. The Study and Controlled Environment Setting A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants were provided with marijuana joints to consume before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”. Participants could choose to drink up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages. The experiment was conducted three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a 0.03% cannabis. Significant effort was taken to replicate a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism. “We wanted to ensure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” stated the lead researcher. Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use Outcomes revealed a marked reduction in drink consumption after subjects used cannabis: Drink consumption fell by 19% after using 3.1% THC marijuana. The drop was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction compared to the control. Broader Context and Future Research Increased legal access has spurred a significant rise in marijuana consumption, which has doubled over the past decade. At the same time, drink consumption is at a record low, with many opting for alternatives like marijuana. Crucial to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Although marijuana might be a potential alternative to excessive drinking, researchers caution that more research is required. “We’re not ready to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” a study author noted.