Researchers Investigate CBD’s Potential Effects on Alcohol Consumption
Scientists at the University of Sydney experimented with mice to investigate the effect of CBD on alcohol consumption and its potential as a therapeutic for reducing binge drinking. The researchers investigated the interactions of CBD with various receptors, including the serotonin-1A (5-HT1aR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). The results indicated that an acute CBD dose suppressed binge-like drinking and blood ethanol concentration, leading to the conclusion, “CBD represents a promising candidate to reduce voluntary alcohol consumption.”
The researchers employed the “murine drinking-in-the-dark” research model, a method specifically tailored to study binge-like alcohol consumption in mice. Mice were given access to a controlled amount of ethanol during the dark phase of their circadian cycle, a period of heightened activity. This model was designed to closely mimic human binge drinking patterns. On test days, mice were administered a dose of CBD before receiving ethanol. A series of experiments (18+) were conducted, each focusing on testing the effects of different CBD doses and the impact of CBD on ethanol intake, while considering CBD’s interaction with various receptors.
The results found that CBD reduced alcohol consumption in the first two hours of drinking, and this was true for all amounts of CBD taken. The results showed that CBD suppressed drinking following acute administration, and locomotor activity was not impaired, as CBD is not sedating.
The study said,
“These experiments consistently showed a dose-dependent suppression of alcohol consumption by CBD. The efficacy of acute CBD persisted for several months, was maintained during sub-chronic administration, and was not associated with locomotor impairments.”
More research is needed to determine the exact process by which CBD delivers alcohol-related benefits.
Previous Research
There are previous studies, surveys, and polls that have found that CBD may help with alcohol cravings.
- A study published in the Molecular Psychiatry journal found that one 800-mg CBD dose helped people manage alcohol cravings. The study participants had alcohol use disorder.
- A federally funded research project found that people who used marijuana immediately before drinking alcohol drank fewer alcoholic beverages and reported lower alcohol cravings.
- A survey analysis of published research found that 3-out-of-4 young adults substituted cannabis for alcohol once per week.
- A poll found that over 50% of marijuana consumers say they drink less alcohol after using cannabis, or they drink no alcohol.
This is a sample of the studies and surveys reporting growing interest in using cannabis as a substitute for alcohol. Numerous surveys have found that respondents believe cannabis is not as harmful as alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine vapes and find it less addictive.
Balancing Research with Legislation
A current issue is that many state legislators are significantly restricting CBD products containing THC. Some are banning most consumable hemp products instead of keeping naturally derived cannabinoids legal and making synthetic cannabinoids illegal. As the research grows, it is hoped the states will decide not to cut off people’s access to products like CBD that meet federal THC limits and continue to allow medical marijuana sales. CBD is a huge industry now, and so many people rely on CBD and THC to address wellness issues.
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