đ Share this article California Sober: Study Indicates Cannabis May Assist in Cutting Down Alcohol Intake Emerging research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a sober lifestyle involving cannabis method might substantially help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption. Research Methodology and Bar Lab Setting A team of Brown University carried out a unique study where participants received cannabis cigarettes to smoke before visiting a carefully constructed âbar labâ. Participants could choose to consume up to 8 mini alcoholic beverages. The trial was repeated three separate times with different tetrahydrocannabinol levels: high potency, moderate potency, and a 0.03% cannabis. Great care was taken to replicate a real-life bar environment, complete with dim lighting and beer taps to guarantee participant realism. âWe wanted to make sure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to consume alcohol,â stated the lead researcher. Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use Outcomes showed a marked decrease in alcohol intake after participants smoked marijuana: Drink intake dropped by 19% after using moderate-THC cannabis. The drop was even more significant with high-THC cannabis, leading to a 27% reduction versus the control. Wider Trends and Additional Studies Increased legal access has spurred a major surge in marijuana usage, which has increased twofold over the past decade. At the same time, drink use is at a historic low, with many opting for substitutes like marijuana. Crucial to note that 40% of trial subjects were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Although marijuana might be a possible alternative to excessive drinking, researchers caution that further research is needed. âIt is premature to advise people in treatment for alcohol, âGo ahead and replace marijuana, and it will work out for you,ââ a study author commented.