🔗 Share this article Going California Sober: Study Indicates Marijuana May Assist in Reducing Alcohol Consumption Emerging research released in the prestigious psychiatry journal proposes that embracing a “California sober” method might significantly assist people lower their alcohol consumption. Research Methodology and Controlled Environment Setting Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel experiment where volunteers were provided with marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed “bar lab”. Subjects could choose to drink up to 8 small drinks. The trial was repeated on three occasions with varying tetrahydrocannabinol potencies: high potency, 3.1%, and a placebo marijuana. Great care was taken to mimic a authentic bar environment, complete with dim lighting and drinks on tap to ensure subject authenticity. “Our goal was to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the principal investigator. Key Findings and Effects on Alcohol Use Outcomes revealed a notable decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked marijuana: Alcohol consumption dropped by nineteen percent after using 3.1% THC cannabis. Reduction was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent reduction versus the control. Broader Context and Additional Studies Expanded legalization has spurred a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is at a record low, with numerous individuals opting for substitutes like marijuana. It is important to note that 40% of study subjects met the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Although marijuana might be a possible solution to excessive drinking, researchers caution that further study is needed. “It is premature to tell individuals seeking treatment for alcohol, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.