New Study Reveals Cannabis Can Reduce Desire for Alcohol
A recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University has found that smoking cannabis can lead to a decrease in the desire to consume alcohol. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, involved 157 participants who were heavy drinkers and frequent cannabis users.
In the experiment, participants were given a mixture of marijuana with varying levels of potency and placebos. They were then offered a choice between their preferred alcoholic beverage or cash. The results showed that those who had smoked cannabis were less likely to take a drink compared to those who had taken a placebo.
The researchers found that cannabis reduced the urge to drink in the moment, led to a decrease in the amount of alcohol consumed over a two-hour period, and even delayed the start of drinking when alcohol was available. According to Jane Metrik, a psychiatry professor and lead researcher, these findings suggest that cannabis can be an effective way to reduce the desire for alcohol in the short term.
However, the researchers also emphasized that cannabis can be addictive and that there is a risk of developing problematic use. They cautioned that their findings do not mean that cannabis should be recommended as a substitute for alcohol therapy.
The study’s results provide new insights into the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, particularly among heavy drinkers. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on alcohol consumption, these findings suggest that cannabis may be a useful tool in reducing the desire for alcohol in certain individuals.
