🔗 Share this article

New scientific investigation released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that adopting a sober lifestyle involving cannabis approach could substantially assist people reduce their drink consumption.

The Study and Controlled Environment Setting

Researchers from Brown University conducted a unique experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”.

• Participants could choose to drink up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
• The trial was conducted three separate times with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a 0.03% marijuana.

Significant effort was taken to mimic a authentic bar atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant realism.

“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be really driven to drink,” stated the principal investigator.

Key Findings and Impact on Alcohol Use

Outcomes revealed a notable reduction in alcohol intake after subjects smoked marijuana:

• Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after using moderate-THC marijuana.
• Reduction was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease versus the control.

Wider Trends and Additional Studies

Increased legalization has driven a major surge in cannabis consumption, which has doubled over the last ten years.

Meanwhile, drink use is at a historic low, with numerous individuals turning to alternatives like weed.

Crucial to note that 40% of study participants were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.

Although cannabis could serve as a possible alternative to excessive alcohol use, scientists warn that more study is required.

“It is premature to tell individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and substitute marijuana, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.