🔗 Share this article Going California Sober: Research Indicates Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Intake Emerging scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a “California sober” approach could substantially assist people reduce their drink use. The Study and Controlled Environment Setting Researchers from Brown University carried out a unique experiment where volunteers 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 different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis. Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee participant realism. “We wanted to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,” explained the principal investigator. Significant Results and Impact on Alcohol Use Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after subjects used cannabis: Drink consumption fell by nineteen percent after consuming 3.1% THC cannabis. Reduction was even more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control. Wider Trends and Additional Studies Expanded legalization has driven a significant rise in cannabis usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade. Meanwhile, drink use is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana. It is important to note that forty percent of trial participants were diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Although marijuana might be a possible alternative to heavy drinking, researchers caution that more research is needed. “We’re not ready to tell people in treatment for alcohol, ‘Proceed and replace cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.