We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The time course and significance of cannabis withdrawal.
- Authors
Budney, Alan J; Moore, Brent A; Vandrey, Ryan G; Hughes, John R
- Abstract
Withdrawal symptoms following cessation of heavy cannabis (marijuana) use have been reported, yet their time course and clinical importance have not been established. A 50-day outpatient study assessed 18 marijuana users during a 5-day smoking-as-usual phase followed by a 45-day abstinence phase. Parallel assessment of 12 ex-users was obtained. A withdrawal pattern was observed for aggression, anger, anxiety, decreased appetite, decreased body weight, irritability, restlessness, shakiness, sleep problems, and stomach pain. Onset typically occurred between Days 1-3, peak effects between Days 2-6, and most effects lasted 4-14 days. The magnitude and time course of these effects appeared comparable to tobacco and other withdrawal syndromes. These effects likely contribute to the development of dependence and difficulty stopping use. Criteria for cannabis withdrawal are proposed.
- Publication
Journal of abnormal psychology, 2003, Vol 112, Issue 3, p393
- ISSN
0021-843X
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1037/0021-843x.112.3.393