Can Pot Curb Drinking? New Research Explores the ‘California Sober’ Trend
A growing number of people are turning to marijuana as a way to reduce alcohol consumption, a lifestyle sometimes referred to as “California sober.” Now, a new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry offers some of the strongest scientific evidence yet suggesting that cannabis use, at least in the short term, can indeed curb alcohol intake – though experts caution against viewing it as a simple substitution.
The research, led by Professor Jane Metrik of Brown University, arrives at a time of increasing public health concern surrounding both the rising popularity of cannabis and the continued devastation caused by alcohol abuse, which claims over 170,000 lives annually in the U.S. alone. while researchers are hesitant to offer definitive recommendations, the findings represent a important step forward in understanding the complex relationship between these two substances.
Replicating Real-World Behavior in the ‘Bar Lab’
To rigorously investigate this phenomenon, Metrik’s team designed an experiment that mirrored the circumstances of consuming both cannabis and alcohol. They constructed a laboratory resembling a bar, complete with cozy seating and a tap, ensuring participants had access to their preferred alcoholic beverages. “We wanted to make sure that when given the opportunity, you would be really driven to drink,” Metrik explained.
The study involved 120 participants who typically consumed both cannabis and alcohol. Participants were randomly assigned to either consume cannabis before being offered alcohol or to abstain from cannabis before drinking. The results showed that those who had consumed cannabis drank approximately 25% less alcohol than those who hadn’t, and reported fewer cravings. This finding was reinforced by a separate study conducted in Colorado earlier this year. Researchers there allowed participants to obtain marijuana from a dispensary, consume it at home, and then visit a mobile lab where they were offered alcoholic beverages. This experiment also revealed a roughly 25% decrease in alcohol consumption among those who had already consumed cannabis, along with a reduction in cravings. “These findings are all converging on a similar story,” noted Hollis Karoly, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz, who led the Colorado study.
Individual Differences and Potential Risks
Despite the promising results, researchers emphasize the need for caution. One key limitation of both studies is the artificiality of the observation setting. Behavior in a controlled “bar lab” may not accurately reflect real-world social drinking habits.
Moreover, the pattern of reduced alcohol consumption wasn’t universal. Karoly’s team found that a minority of participants actually increased their alcohol intake after using cannabis, highlighting the importance of individual differences. “This really highlights the fact that individual differences matter,” she said.
Another crucial consideration is the study population. A significant proportion of participants in the Brown university study – 40% – met the criteria for alcohol use disorder, and many also exhibited signs of “cannabis use disorder.” This suggests that for some individuals, cannabis may not be a substitute for alcohol, but rather their preferred substance of choice, according to Rajita Sinha, a professor of psychiatry at Yale university.
While cannabis may offer a potential treatment avenue for individuals struggling with problem drinking, Sinha cautions that it could also inadvertently promote increased cannabis use, which carries its own risks. “Once you’re in the throes of daily cannabis use, it’s very hard to kick that habit,” she explained.
A Complex Equation
Experts acknowledge the inherent tension in this line of research. While cannabis doesn’t pose the same immediate threat to life as alcohol, it is indeed not a “harm-free substance,” according to Jeff Wardell, a professor of psychology at York University.Studies have shown that marijuana can impair cognitive function and memory,trigger gastrointestinal issues,increase the risk of psychosis,and negatively impact relationships.
“We would have to choose which one for a given individual might be less harmful and make sure that it’s not inadvertently just replacing one problem with another,” Wardell said.
Metrik believes that cannabis has helped some patients overcome severe alcoholism, a situation that can be “life and death.” However, she stresses the current lack of clear guidance for individuals self-medicating with cannabis to address alcohol problems. “We see this all the time, and we don’t know what to tell them. There’s no clear messaging,” she concluded.
