Weed Might Make You Drink Less: What Science Says

A recent study suggests cannabis might reduce alcohol consumption.

The Study

Researchers created a fake bar to test if cannabis affects alcohol consumption. Participants were given different types of cannabis, and their alcohol intake was tracked.

Key Findings:

• Stronger cannabis: Reduced alcohol consumption by 27%.
• Weaker strain: Reduced alcohol consumption by 19%.
• Both groups took longer to have their first drink.

Published Research

The study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. It aligns with the growing trend of "California sober", where people replace alcohol with cannabis or other substances.

Supporting Evidence

Another study in Colorado found similar results:

• Stoned participants drank 25% less alcohol.
• They also had fewer cravings for alcohol.

Limitations

• The study was conducted in a lab setting, which may not reflect real-world behavior.
• Individual differences matter: A small group in the Colorado study drank more after using cannabis.

Future Research

More studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of cannabis on alcohol consumption. Currently, there are few evidence-based guidelines for marijuana use.