Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A recent study has revealed that individuals who use cannabis may consume less alcohol. Conducted by researchers at Brown University’s Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, this research investigated the impact of cannabis on cravings and alcohol consumption, particularly among heavy drinkers.
The study involved 157 participants aged 21 to 44, all of whom engaged in heavy drinking while using cannabis regularly, defined here as at least bi-weekly use. This randomized, controlled trial examined whether smoking marijuana could help decrease their alcohol consumption.
Study Outline and Methodology
Each participant went through three two-hour lab sessions, during which they experienced different forms of cannabis use. They received either one of two levels of THC or a placebo. After smoking, they had the option to either drink alcohol or receive a cash payment instead.
Participants who smoked cannabis containing a higher THC concentration of 7.2% reported consuming approximately 27% less alcohol compared to those who smoked the placebo. This group also experienced an immediate decline in their urge to drink. Meanwhile, those whose cannabis contained 3.1% THC drank about 19% less alcohol than their placebo counterparts.
According to lead researcher Jane Metrik, Ph.D., who teaches behavioral and social sciences at Brown, “After people smoked cannabis, they drank about a quarter less alcohol over the next two hours.” This finding highlights a significant correlation between higher THC levels and reduced alcohol consumption.
Understanding the Effects on Cravings
The study also examined the broader effects of cannabis on alcohol cravings. Researchers found a noteworthy decrease in the immediate urge to drink post-cannabis use. However, they identified that cannabis had inconsistent effects on longer-term alcohol cravings.
Metrik elaborated, “We found a significant decrease in alcohol urge immediately after smoking cannabis, but not a consistent effect on a different measure of alcohol craving. This suggests that cannabis may not exert a uniform effect on alcohol motivation, and that other mechanisms may also explain how cannabis impacts subsequent alcohol use.” This insight complicates the understanding of cannabis and its diverse effects on drinking behaviors.
Limitations and Future Implications of the Study
The researchers acknowledged certain limitations within their study. They focused on a single cannabinoid, THC, when testing smoking cannabis. Therefore, results may not extend to other cannabis products, formulations, or cannabinoids, as Metrik explained. The sample primarily consisted of participants who used cannabis almost daily, raising questions about how infrequent users might behave differently.
No exploration into simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use was conducted during the study. As the research took place in a short-term, controlled lab environment, it remains uncertain whether the observed reduction in alcohol consumption would persist over time or in real-world scenarios.
Importantly, the researchers cautioned against viewing cannabis as an acceptable substitute for alcohol among those with alcohol-use disorders. Long-term health impacts and risks associated with cannabis use are still not fully understood.
Calls for Caution
Metrik emphasized the necessity of vigilance regarding individual responses to cannabis, noting that while it may reduce alcohol consumption in the short term, it still carries its own risks. She urged individuals currently substituting cannabis for alcohol to closely monitor their use and consider evidence-based treatments for alcohol problems.
Emerging evidence pointing towards a decreasing trend in alcohol sales correlates with the increasing accessibility of THC products has drawn the attention of experts. Marcel Bonn-Miller, Ph.D., a cannabis researcher, pointed out that many individuals now opt for THC beverages as alternatives to alcohol.
Appraising the Experimental Design
Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, praised the study’s rigorous experimental design, indicating the unique challenges involved in administering cannabis in lab conditions due to its federal classification.
She noted that the findings resonate with the
