🔗 Share this article Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis Could Help Cutting Down Drinking Intake Emerging scientific investigation published in the American Journal of Psychiatry proposes that embracing a “California sober” approach could substantially help individuals lower their drink use. Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting A team of Brown University carried out a novel experiment where participants received marijuana joints to smoke before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”. Subjects had the option to consume up to 8 small drinks. The experiment was repeated on three occasions with varying THC levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a placebo cannabis. Significant effort was taken to mimic a real-life bar environment, complete with low light and beer taps to ensure participant realism. “Our goal was to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” stated the lead researcher. Significant Results and Effects on Drinking Results showed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after subjects smoked cannabis: Alcohol intake dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC marijuana. Reduction was even more pronounced with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a 27% decrease compared to the control. Broader Context and Additional Studies Increased legalization has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade. Meanwhile, drink use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana. It is important to note that 40% of study subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Although marijuana might be a potential solution to heavy alcohol use, researchers caution that more research is needed. “It is premature to advise individuals in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Go ahead and replace cannabis, and it will work out for you,’” a study author noted.