Smoking marijuana significantly reduces alcohol consumption, as indicated by a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers at Brown University were federally funded to investigate the science behind an ever-growing trend named “California Sober”. This trend avoids the consumption of alcohol and hard drugs by prioritizing cannabis use.
There’s truth behind this trend, as the study suggests that smoking marijuana could assist individuals with moderating their alcohol consumption. Brown University Researchers had more than 150 Adults participate in this study. Each of these individuals reported consuming alcohol and cannabis more than twice a week. To determine the scientific results, participants were given an assortment of joints that varied in THC Potency. Initially, these joints had 7.2% THC. Subsequently, joints were lowered to 3.1% THC and 0.03% THC to create a placebo effect.
Towards the study’s conclusion, an “Alcohol Cue Assessment” was completed. This assessment showed that 27% of the individuals who smoked the 7.2% THC Joint had a reduction in drinking. That percentage dropped to 19% for individuals who smoked the 3.1% THC Joint. Furthermore, researchers at Brown University noted these individuals also had a reduced urge to consume alcohol with immediate effect.
Additional Research Needed
Further research is needed to ascertain the potential of decreased alcohol consumption through the use of cannabis. However, this study marks the first of its kind. Never before have researchers created a placebo-controlled environment that examines the acute effects of cannabis on regular users. Considering that this study was federally funded, readers can anticipate additional studies to come in the following years.
Statements made within the study said, “Following overnight cannabis abstinence, smoking cannabis acutely decreased alcohol consumption compared to placebo. Further controlled research on a variety of cannabinoids is needed to inform clinical alcohol treatment guidelines.”
While this study prioritised the THC Cannabinoid, former studies have focused on the CBD Cannabinoid. These experiments were tested on animal models, but nonetheless, indicated that CBD would assist with reduced alcohol consumption.
Initial observations between these two studies suggest that CBD has a superior ability to assist people in lowering their alcohol consumption. However, researchers aren’t willing to definitively say that CBD or THC is a viable alternative to alcohol. Neither are they willing to comment on the possibility of cannabis being used to treat alcoholism. As previously stated, additional research is needed to determine the final answer.
It’s noted that the “National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism” funded this study. The NIAAA is interconnected with the National Institutes of Health. These two organizations worked in partnership with the National Institute of Drug Abuse to carry out this study. Furthermore, NIDA provided the cannabis material needed to undergo this study.
