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3w ago

Brown Trial Finds Cannabis Use Cuts Short-Term Alcohol Intake in Controlled Bar Setting

Authors describe a short-term substitution effect in the lab, not a recommendation for using cannabis to treat drinking.

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: A recreational marijuana smoker indulges in smoking weed on April 14, 2020 in the Bushwick section of the Brooklyn borough of New York City. As some smokers turn to smoking weed to ease their stress during the coronavirus pandemic, some doctors are warning that cannabis can cause airway inflammation that could cause complications should a user become a victim of COVID-19. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study of 157 heavy drinkers who regularly use cannabis, THC-containing joints led to less alcohol consumed during two-hour sessions.
  • Drinking fell about 19% after 3.1% THC and 27% after 7.2% THC compared with placebo, and participants delayed their first drink after higher THC doses.
  • The experiment took place in a bar-like laboratory using an Alcohol Choice Task that offered up to eight mini-drinks or small cash payments for declined drinks.
  • Many participants met criteria for cannabis use disorder and about 40% for alcohol use disorder, limiting generalizability and underscoring risks of substituting one drug for another.
  • Researchers cite converging findings from a Colorado study showing roughly 25% reductions and say follow-up trials will test simultaneous use, other cannabinoids such as CBD, and real-world outcomes; the study was funded by NIAAA with cannabis supplied by NIDA.