US Edition'California Sober' Strategy --Smoking Weed -- Might Reduce Drinking
Higher THC cannabis led to a 27% reduction in alcohol consumption over two hours in heavy drinkers, but researchers advise more study before recommending substitution.
- Lead researcher Jane Metrik's team found exposure to THC caused participants to drink fewer drinks and delay alcohol intake in laboratory experiments, reported Nov. 19, 2025, in the American Journal of Psychiatry and HealthDay News.
- Following growing public discussion, the team designed the study to test the substitution effect, with the 'California sober' trend, originating from Demi Lovato, prompting research, Metrik said.
- In controlled sessions, each participant attended three lab sessions and smoked high-, low- or THC-free placebo joints before alcohol was offered, with blood alcohol about 0.10 g/dL and $3 per declined serving.
- Researchers cautioned that these results shouldn't be seen as a recommendation to substitute weed for alcohol, noting cannabis can be addictive and might increase drinking for people who combine cannabis and alcohol, and they said clinical trials are ongoing.
- Higher THC levels produced dose effects as 7.2% THC reduced drinking about 27% and 3.1% THC about 19%, also delaying first drink timing.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Can weed help you drink less? Scientists study how well 'California sober' works
It's trendy in some circles to replace drinking with consuming cannabis. But can it help people with a drinking problem cut back? Scientists set up a bar in the lab to find out.
The Norfolk Daily News
"California Sober" Strategy Might Curb Drinking, Study Finds
Key Takeaways
Cannabis Blunts Alcohol Cravings
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial shows that cannabis with active THC reduces immediate alcohol cravings and lowers drinking levels in heavy-drinking young adults. After smoking THC, participants not only drank less, they waited longer before taking the first sip and reported lower urges to drink.
Clinical Trial: Cannabis Smoking Linked to Significantly Reduced Alcohol Intake
"These findings provide support for the idea that legal cannabis can serve as substitute for alcohol among certain individuals, and that legal cannabis markets may, in some instances, disrupt alcohol-dominant marketplaces." The post Clinical Trial: Cannabis Smoking Linked to Significantly Reduced Alcohol Intake appeared first on NORML.
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