Publications

Another Reason To Keep Off The Grass

This University of Vermont study examined animal laboratory research, as well as human laboratory and clinical studies, to report on the validity and significance of “marijuana withdrawal syndrome.”

Results indicate that a withdrawal syndrome reliably follows discontinuation of chronic heavy use of cannabis or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the active ingredient in marijuana. Commonly reported symptoms are primarily emotional and behavioral; however, appetite change, weight loss, and physical discomfort have also been frequently reported. The onset and time course of these symptoms appear similar to those of other substance-withdrawal syndromes. Furthermore, the magnitude and severity of these symptoms appear substantial, which suggests that the syndrome has clinical importance.

The authors recommend that “cannabis withdrawal syndrome” be included in the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

(Budney, AJ, Hughes, JR, Moore, BA, Vandrey, R: Review of the validity and significance of cannabis withdrawal syndrome. American Journal of Psychiatry 161:1967-1977, 2004.)

Related posts:

1. Is Risk of Dependence Different For Men and Women?
2. Marijuana: The Politics of Medical versus Recreational Use
3. Encouraging Report about Remission from Dependence
4. Marijuana May Contribute to Severity of Schizophrenia
5. I Just Can’t Describe What’s Happening