DOCSLIB.ORG

Recreational Cannabinoid Use: the Hazards Behind

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Recreational Cannabinoid Use: the Hazards Behind Steven Wright, MD, FAAFP; Julius Metts, MD, FAAFP Recreational cannabinoid use: Private practice, Littleton, Colo (Dr. Wright); California Substance Abuse and The hazards behind the “high” Treatment Center, Department of Corrections and Marijuana use can cause concerning physical, Rehabilitation, Corcoran (Dr. Metts) psychomotor, cognitive, and psychiatric effects, [email protected] not to mention a near-doubling of car accidents. The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article. pproximately 156 million Americans (49% of the PRACTICE population) have tried cannabis.1 About 5.7 million RECOMMENDATIONS people ages 12 years and older use it daily or almost ❯ Screen all patients A 2 daily, a number that has nearly doubled since 2006. There are for use of addiction- 6600 new users in the United States every day,2 and almost half prone substances. A of all high school students will have tried it by graduation.3 ❯ Screen cannabis users with There is limited evidence that cannabis may have medi- a validated secondary screen cal benefit in some circumstances.4 (See “Medical marijuana: for problematic use. A A treatment worth trying?” J Fam Pract. 2016;65:178-185 or ❯ Counsel patients that http://www.mdedge.com/jfponline/article/106836/medical- there is no evidence that use marijuana-treatment-worth-trying.) As a result, it is now legal of recreational cannabis is for medical purposes in 25 states. Recreational use by adults safe; advise them that it can is also legal in 4 states and the District of Columbia.5 The US cause numerous physical, Food and Drug Administration, however, has reaffirmed its psychomotor, cognitive, stance that marijuana is a Schedule I drug on the basis of and psychiatric effects. C its “high potential for abuse” and the absence of “currently Strength of recommendation (SOR) accepted medical uses.”6 A Good-quality patient-oriented The effects of legalizing the medical and recreational evidence use of cannabis for individuals—and society as a whole—are B Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence uncertain. Debate is ongoing about the risks, benefits, and C Consensus, usual practice, rights of individuals. Some argue it is safer than alcohol or that opinion, disease-oriented evidence, case series criminalization has been ineffective and even harmful. Others make the case for personal liberty and autonomy. Still, others are convinced legalization is a misdirected experiment that will result in diverse adverse outcomes. Regardless, it is important that primary care providers understand the ramifications of marijuana use. This evidence-based narrative highlights major negative consequences of non-medical cannabinoid use. Potential adverse consequences of cannabis use Although the potential adverse consequences are vast, the lit- erature on this subject is limited for various reasons: • Many studies are observational with a small sample size. 770 THE JOURNAL OF FAMILY PRACTICE | NOVEMBER 2016 | VOL 65, NO 11 TABLE 1 Quality of life, socioeconomic issues associated with recreational cannabis use Lower quality of life9 Poor school attendance10 Relationship problems9,10 Lower educational achievement9,10 Lower income, financial instability, greater welfare dependence9,10 More discipline problems11 Decreased work commitment, performance, success9-11 More youth involved in crime12 Increased work absenteeism, presenteeism10,11 More involvement with other illicit drugs12 • Most studies examine smoked canna- comastia, and changes in sexual function.17 bis—not other routes of delivery. Elevated rates of myocardial infarction, car- • When smoked, the dose, frequency, diomyopathy, limb arteritis, and stroke have duration, and smoking technique are been observed.18 Synthetic cannabinoids variable. have been associated with heart attacks and • The quantity of Δ-9-tetrahydrocanna- acute renal injury in youth;19,20 however, binol (THC), the primary psychoactive plant-based marijuana does not affect the component in cannabis, is variable. kidneys. In addition, high doses of plant- (For more on the chemical properties based marijuana can result in cannabinoid Cannabis users of the marijuana plant, see “Cannabi- hyperemesis syndrome, characterized by have a lower noids: A diverse group of chemicals”7 cyclic vomiting and compulsive bathing that body mass on page 773.) resolves with cessation of the drug.21 index, better • Most studies do not examine medi- ❚ No major pulmonary effects. Inter- lipid parameters, cal users, who are expected to use less estingly, cannabis does not appear to have and are less cannabis or lower doses of THC. major negative pulmonary effects. Acutely, likely to have • There are confounding effects of other smoking marijuana causes bronchodila- diabetes than drugs, notably tobacco, which is used tion.22 Chronic, low-level use over 20 years is their non-using by up to 90% of cannabis users.8 associated with an increase in forced expira- counterparts. tory volume in one second (FEV1), but this ❚ Lower quality of life. In general, regu- upward trend diminishes and may reverse lar non-medical cannabis use is associated in high-level users.23 Although higher lung with a lower quality of life and poorer socio- volumes are observed, cannabis does not economic outcomes (TABLE 1).9-12 Physical appear to contribute to the development of and mental health is ranked lower by heavy chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but users as compared to extremely low users.9 can cause chronic bronchitis that resolves Some who attempt butane extraction of THC with smoking cessation.22 Chronic use has from the plant have experienced explosions also been tied to airway infection. Lastly, and severe burns.13 fungal growth has been found on marijuana Studies regarding cannabis use and plants, which is concerning because of the weight are conflicting. Appetite and weight potential to expose people to Aspergillus.22,24 may increase initially, and young adults ❚ Cannabis and cancer? The jury is out. who increase their use of the drug are more Cannabis contains at least 33 carcinogens25 likely to find themselves on an increasing and may be contaminated with pesticides,26 obesity trajectory.14 However, in an observa- but research about its relationship with can- tional study of nearly 11,000 participants ages cer is incomplete. Although smoking results in 20 to 59 years, cannabis users had a lower histopathologic changes of the bronchial mu- body mass index, better lipid parameters, cosa, evidence of lung cancer is mixed.22,25,27 and were less likely to have diabetes than Some studies have suggested associations non-using counterparts.15 with cancers of the brain, testis, prostate, and ❚ Elevated rates of MI. Chronic effects cervix,25,27 as well as certain rare cancers in may include oral health problems,16 gyne- children due to parental exposure.25,27 CONTINUED JFPONLINE.COM VOL 65, NO 11 | NOVEMBER 2016 | THE JOURNAL OF FAMILY PRACTICE 771 TABLE 2 Outcomes associated with cannabis use during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding Pediatric cancers: neuroblastoma, astrocytoma, Decreased attention, memory, cognitive function41,42 rhabdomyosarcoma, leukemia22,25 Birth defects (mixed data): anencephaly, gastroschisis, ventricular Decreased learning ability and educational attainment41,42 septal defects41 Decreased growth41 Increased impulsivity, behavior problems41,42 Neonatal cannabis withdrawal syndrome42 Increased risk of tobacco or cannabis initiation as adolescents42 There are conflicting data about assoc- few deaths and a greater number of hospi- iations with head and neck squamous cell talizations, due mainly to central nervous carcinoma,25,27,28 bladder cancer,25,29 and non- system effects including agitation, depres- Hodgkin’s lymphoma.25,30 Some studies sug- sion, coma, delirium, and toxic psychosis, gest marijuana offers protection against have been attributed to the use of synthetic Cannabis certain types of cancer. In fact, it appears that cannabinoids.20 contains at least some cannabinoids found in marijuana, such ❚ Cannabis use can pose a risk to the 33 carcinogens as cannabidiol (CBD), may be antineoplas- fetus. About 5% of pregnant women report and may be tic.31 The potential oncogenic effects of edible recent marijuana use2 for recreational or contaminated and topical cannabinoid products have not medical reasons (eg, morning sickness), and with pesticides. been investigated. there is concern about its effects on the devel- ❚ Use linked to car accidents. More oping fetus. Certain rare pediatric cancers22,25 recent work indicates cannabis use is asso- and birth defects41 have been reported with ciated with injuries in motor vehicle,32 non- cannabis use (TABLE 222,25,41,42). Neonatal with- traffic,33 and workplace34 settings. In fact, drawal is minor, if present at all.42 Moderate a meta-analysis found a near-doubling of evidence indicates prenatal and breastfeed- motor vehicle accidents with recent use.32 ing exposure can result in multiple devel- Risk is dose-dependent and heightened opmental problems, as well as an increased with alcohol.35-37 Psychomotor impairment likelihood of initiating tobacco and marijuana persists for at least 6 hours after smoking use as teens.41,42 cannabis,38 at least 10 hours after ingesting ❚ Cognitive effects of cannabis are a it,37 and may last up to 24 hours, as indicated concern. The central nervous system is not by a study involving pilots using a flight fully myelinated until the age of 18, and com- simulator.39 plete maturation continues beyond
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Adverse Health Consequences of Cannabis Use a Survey of Scientific Studies Published up to and Including the Autumn of 2003
    The mission of the National Institute of Public Health Sweden is to promote health and to prevent illness and harm. Its mandate includes the synthesis and dissemination of research findings. This report is a survey of the harmful effects – mental as well as physical – which can arise as a consequence of cannabis use. The author, Jan Ramström, is a psychiatrist with several years’ experience of specialised drug-abuse services. A long-time Head of Clinic in the field of general psychiatry, he has been affiliated with the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare for nine years in the capacity of Scientific Adviser on issues of psychiatry Adverse Health and substance abuse. His previous publications include other reports as well as several textbooks in the field of substance abuse, psychiatry and youth development. Consequences of The report is intended for health-care organisations, information officers such as drugs advisers and drug counsellors, and others Cannabis Use in need of knowledge-based information on the consequences of A Survey of Scientific Studies Published up to and cannabis use. including the Autumn of 2003 Jan Ramström national institute of public health – sweden National Institute of Public Health Fax +46 8 449 88 11 Rapport R 2004:46 www.fhi.se Distribution E-mail [email protected] ISSN 1651-8624 SE-120 88 Stockholm Internet www.fhi.se ISBN 91-7257-314-7 Adverse Health Consequences of Cannabis Use A Survey of Scientific Studies Published up to and including the Autumn of 2003 Jan Ramström national institute of public health – sweden www.fhi.se © national institute of public health – sweden r 2004:46 issn: 1651-8624 isbn: 91-7257-314-7 cover photo by: sjöberg, www.sjobergbild.se printing: sandvikens tryckeri, sandviken 2004 Table of Contents Foreword ____________________________________________________________ 5 Introduction __________________________________________________________ 7 Part One – General Remarks ____________________________________________ 11 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: a Case Report in Mexico
    CASE REPORT Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a case report in Mexico Luis Fernando García-Frade Ruiz,1 Rodrigo Marín-Navarrete,3 Emmanuel Solís Ayala,1 Ana de la Fuente-Martín2 1 Medicina Interna, Hospital Ánge- ABSTRACT les Pedregal. 2 Escuela de Medicina, Universi- Background. The first case report on the Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) was registered in 2004. dad la Salle. Years later, other research groups complemented the description of CHS, adding that it was associated with 3 Unidad de Ensayos Clínicos, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría such behaviors as chronic cannabis abuse, acute episodes of nausea, intractable vomiting, abdominal pain Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. and compulsive hot baths, which ceased when cannabis use was stopped. Objective. To provide a brief re- view of CHS and report the first documented case of CHS in Mexico. Method. Through a systematic search Correspondence: Luis Fernando García-Frade Ruiz. in PUBMED from 2004 to 2016, a brief review of CHS was integrated. For the second objective, CARE clinical Medicina Interna, Hospital Ángeles case reporting guidelines were used to register and manage a patient with CHS at a high specialty general del Pedregal. hospital. Results. Until December 2016, a total of 89 cases had been reported worldwide, although none from Av. Periférico Sur 7700, Int. 681, Latin American countries. Discussion and conclusion. Despite the cases reported in the scientific literature, Col. Héroes de Padierna, Del. Magdalena Contreras, C.P. 10700 experts have yet to achieve a comprehensive consensus on CHS etiology, diagnosis and treatment. The lack Ciudad de México. of a comprehensive, standardized CHS algorithm increases the likelihood of malpractice, in addition to con- Phone: +52 (55) 2098-5988.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Outcomes of Chronic, Recreational Marijuana Use
    The Corinthian Volume 20 Article 16 November 2020 Long-Term Outcomes of Chronic, Recreational Marijuana Use Celia G. Imhoff Georgia College and State University Follow this and additional works at: https://kb.gcsu.edu/thecorinthian Part of the Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, and the Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Imhoff, Celia G. (2020) "Long-Term Outcomes of Chronic, Recreational Marijuana Use," The Corinthian: Vol. 20 , Article 16. Available at: https://kb.gcsu.edu/thecorinthian/vol20/iss1/16 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Undergraduate Research at Knowledge Box. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Corinthian by an authorized editor of Knowledge Box. LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF CHRONIC, RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA USE Amidst insistent, nationwide demand for the acceptance of recreational marijuana, many Americans champion the supposedly non-addictive, inconsequential, and creativity-inducing nature of this “casual” substance. However, these personal beliefs lack scientific evidence. In fact, research finds that chronic adolescent and young adult marijuana use predicts a wide range of adverse occupational, educational, social, and health outcomes. Cannabis use disorder is now recognized as a legitimate condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and cannabis dependence is gaining respect as an authentic drug disorder. Some research indicates that medical marijuana can be somewhat effective in treating assorted medical conditions such as appetite in HIV/AIDS patients, neuropathic pain, spasticity and multiple sclerosis, nausea, and seizures, and thus its value to medicine continues to evolve (Atkinson, 2016). However, many studies on medical marijuana produce mixed results, casting doubt on our understanding of marijuana's medicinal properties (Atkinson, 2016; Keehbauch, 2015).
    [Show full text]
  • GHPC Guide for the Responsible Use of Medical Marijuana
    Guide for the Responsible Use Guide for theof Responsible Medical UseMarijuana of Medical Marijuana Medical Director Dr. Suzanne Arlene Sisley, MD AZ Medical License #24426 [email protected] 480-326-60231 6/10/20 8/11/20 Self - Assessment Checklist DATE: Please indicate below your typical level of severity of the following symptoms: Symptom Severity (low to high) Comments Pain 1 2 3 4 5 Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome 1 2 3 4 5 Nausea 1 2 3 4 5 Seizures 1 2 3 4 5 Muscle Spasms 1 2 3 4 5 Agitation 1 2 3 4 5 Other 1 2 3 4 5 Notes: Copy this page to keep an on-going log of your symptoms Enigami Systems at enigamisystems.com has symptom tracking software at a nominal cost. 2 Page 2 - 8/11/20 6/11/20 MEDICATION TRACKING CALENDAR DATE: Dose Tracker Patient Name: Week Starting:________________________ Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Strain/Product Amount Method of Administration Beneficial Effects Negative Effect Bring this sheet & your symptom tracking sheets to your appointment with your recommending doctor. These will help determine the effectiveness of your medication. Copy this page to keep an on-going log of your medicine usage. 3 6/11/20 8/11/20 - Page 3 INTRODUCTION The objective of this manual is to give Patient Service Providers all the tools necessary to understand medical cannabis, be able to identify strains, and use this knowledge to better their daily health and wellness. CANNABIS OVERVIEW: Cannabis is natural herb that may now be the most studied plant ever worldwide.
    [Show full text]
  • MARIJUANA and SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, Part 1: a Historical Perspective and DSM-5 Overview
    MARIJUANA AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, Part 1: a historical perspective and DSM-5 overview Introduction Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the Western world and the third most commonly used recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco. According to the World Health Organization, it also is the illicit substance most widely cultivated, trafficked, and used. Although the long-term clinical outcome of marijuana use disorder may be less severe than other commonly used substances, it is by no means a "safe" drug. Sustained marijuana use can have negative impacts on the brain as well as the body. Studies have indicated a link between regular marijuana use and schizophrenia as well as a demonstrated relationship between marijuana use and a higher incidence of lung cancer. Although there are no pharmacological treatments available with a proven impact on marijuana use disorder, there are several types of behavior therapy that may be effective in treating this disorder. Worldwide Use Of Marijuana For a number of years, the United Nations has been compiling annual surveys of worldwide drug use, including cannabis. Reflecting the difficulties and uncertainties associated with developing estimates of the number of people who use drugs (such as the quality of the data gathered and the methodologies used to sample populations), the latest United Nations estimates are presented in ranges, reflecting the lower and upper estimates indicated through the array of surveys ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com 1 available. In their 2012 report (covering 2010), the United Nations estimated that between 119.4 and 224.5 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 had used cannabis in the past year, representing between 2.6% and 5.0% of the world’s population.22 In 2014, approximately 22.2 million people ages 12 and up reported using marijuana during the past month.
    [Show full text]
  • Acute and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use: a Review
    Send Orders for Reprints to [email protected] Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2014, 20, 000-000 1 Acute and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use: A Review Laurent Karila1,*, Perrine Roux2, Benjamin Rolland3, Amine Benyamina4, Michel Reynaud4, Henri-Jean Aubin4 and Christophe Lançon5 1Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris Sud-11 University, AP-HP, INSERM-CEA U1000, Villejuif, France; 2INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Université Aix Marseille, IRD, UMR-S912, ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France; 3Department of Addiction Medicine, CHU Lille; EA1046, Univ Lille Nord de France, Lille, France; 4Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris Sud-11 University, AP-HP, Villejuif, France; 5Psychiatry and Addictology Department, AP-HM, Marseille, France Abstract: Cannabis remains the most commonly used and trafficked illicit drug in the world. Its use is largely concentrated among young people (15- to 34-year-olds). There is a variety of cannabis use patterns, ranging from experimental use to dependent use. Men are more likely than women to report both early initiation and frequent use of cannabis. Due to the high prevalence of cannabis use, the impact of cannabis on public health may be significant. A range of acute and chronic health problems associated with cannabis use has been identi- fied. Cannabis can frequently have negative effects in its users, which may be amplified by certain demographic and/or psychosocial factors. Acute adverse effects include hyperemesis syndrome, impaired coordination and performance, anxiety, suicidal ideations/tendencies, and psychotic symptoms. Acute cannabis consumption is also associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, especially fatal col- lisions.
    [Show full text]
  • CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES for MANAGEMENT of CANNABIS DEPENDENCE Or
    CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF CANNABIS DEPENDENCE Or. Shiv Gautam1, Dr. I.D. Gupta2, Dr. Aftab Khan3 INTRODUCTION The cannabis plant has been used by humans in China, India and the Middle East for approximately 8,000 years for its fiber and as a medicinal agent. Cannabis was introduced to Europeans in the 9th Century via Napoleon's troops returning from Egypt and to Britain for medical use by a surgeon who has served in India. There was some recreational use in Persian bohemian demimonde in the late 19th Century. Recreational cannabis use was introduced in the United States in the 1930 from Mexico and spread via Jazz Musician to cities in the Northeastern United States. International Drug Control Treaties banned its use in United States in 1938 and in most other countries in 1961. It was used in Bohemian circles in the United States in the 1940 and 1950 before gradually disseminated to wider. US Youth Population in late 1960s and through the 1970s and 1980s. Its use was disseminated via movies, media and popular culture to many other developed countries in 1970s and 1980s. EPIDEMIOLOGY Drug abuse monitoring system (DAMS) collected data from treatment center from 23 States, 2 Union territories and Delhi (year 2002).Total sample of users is 16942. According to study the mean average age is 35.3, sample for study was equally distributed in rural (51.7%) and urban area (48.3%). For both rural and urban areas, most common substance is alcohol (43.9%), heroin (11.1 %), cannabis (11.1%), opium (8.61%), propoxyphene (2.6%) and others (18.5%).
    [Show full text]
  • Neuropsychological Performance in Cannabis Users and Non-Users Following Motivation Manipulation" (2010)
    University at Albany, State University of New York Scholars Archive Psychology Honors College 5-2010 Neuropsychological Performance in Cannabis Users and Non- Users Following Motivation Manipulation Michelle Stiles University at Albany, State University of New York Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_psych Part of the Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Stiles, Michelle, "Neuropsychological Performance in Cannabis Users and Non-Users Following Motivation Manipulation" (2010). Psychology. 5. https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_psych/5 This Honors Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors College at Scholars Archive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Psychology by an authorized administrator of Scholars Archive. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Neuropsychological Performance | 1 Running Head: NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE Neuropsychological Performance in Cannabis Users and Non-Users Following Motivation Manipulation Michelle Stiles University at Albany Neuropsychological Performance | 2 ABSTRACT Background: Previous research has yielded conflicting results regarding the long term consequences of cannabis use on cognitive functioning. Although in the cannabis literature, there is a commonly held belief associated with cannabis use called, “amotivational syndrome” the authors were unable to find any studies of neuropsychological performance that attempted to manipulate motivation. Methods: Fifty-five undergraduates (34 cannabis users and 21 non-users) participated in an extensive neuropsychological battery. The experimenter read a statement at the beginning of the battery designed to induce motivation. Group differences on test performance were calculated with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for tests that did not differ in gender, and a 2 x 2 ANOVA (user by gender) for tests that did differ in gender.
    [Show full text]
  • Medical Cannabis - Review of Risks and Benefits
    MEDICAL CANNABIS - REVIEW OF RISKS AND BENEFITS INTRODUCTION Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, refers to the use of the cannabis plant and its constituents (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) to treat disease or improve symptoms. Cannabis was used for its medicinal qualities by most of ancient civilizations, with first documented use in Ancient China dating back to 2737 BC. As a mainstay of the American Pharmacopeia, cannabis extract was used to relieve symptoms of over 100 medical conditions from 1851 until 1941. In the next 55 years, it was banned due to political reasons, against the advice of the American Medical Association. Cannabis returned to its due place of being a medicine in the United States in 1996, when the Californian law allowed the use of cannabis by patients. At present, 41 states have reenacted their medical cannabis laws, along with many other countries in the world. The first active constituents of cannabis, cannabinoids THC and CBD, were discovered in the early 1960s. Further research led to an even more important discovery of the Endocannabinoid System in the early 1990s. This system includes internally produced cannabinoids and their receptors, which are present in almost every organ and tissue of the human body. Over 22,000 studies performed to date helped to reveal numerous important physiological roles of the endocannabinoids, which control not only how the human body operates under normal conditions but also in the disease. This also helped us understand why cannabis has so many medicinal qualities. It works through interaction of the phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) with our own endocannabinoid system, by acting through its receptors, by helping to restore the normal function of the cells and systems, and most importantly by helping to maintain homeostasis - the inner balance of the human body and mind.
    [Show full text]
  • Possible Amotivational Effects Following Marijuana Smoking Under Laboratory Conditions
    Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology Copyright 2002 by the American Psychological Association, Inc. 2002, Vol. 10, No. 1, 26–38 1064-1297/02/$5.00 DOI: 10.1037//1064-1297.10.1.26 Possible Amotivational Effects Following Marijuana Smoking Under Laboratory Conditions Don R. Cherek, Scott D. Lane, and Donald M. Dougherty University of Texas—Houston Human participants earned money by responding on a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule (initial value $50) or received money without responding on a fixed-time (FT) schedule. During the session, participants could terminate the PR schedule and initiate an FT 200-s schedule. In Experiment 1, increases in monetary value produced increased number of responses, time spent, and money earned in the PR component. In Experiment 2, marijuana smoking produced potency-related reductions in the number of responses, time spent, and money earned in the PR component, effects that can be interpreted as amotivational. Increasing the monetary value of the reinforcer diminished the acute marijuana effects on PR responding, suggesting that marijuana exerted an effect primarily on reinforcers of a smaller magnitude. The amotivational syndrome is a set of characteristics that smokers (Musty & Kaback, 1995). The authors concluded frequently have been associated with chronic marijuana use that the amotivation symptoms were primarily due to coex- (McGlothlin & West, 1968; Smith, 1968). Specific character- isting depressive symptoms. Anthropologic studies of daily, istics of the amotivational syndrome that have been noted are long-term smokers in Jamaica (Comitas, 1976) and Costa general apathy (Bindelglas, 1973; Kolansky & Moore, 1972, Rica (Carter & Doughty, 1976) did not find evidence for an 1975; Smith, 1970), loss of productivity (McGlothlin & West, amotivational syndrome.
    [Show full text]
  • Marijuana Use Affect School, Work, and Social Life? See Page 7
    How does marijuana use affect school, work, and social life? See page 7. from the director: Changes in marijuana policies across states legalizing marijuana for medical and/or recreational use suggest that marijuana is gaining greater acceptance in our society. Thus, it is particularly important for people to understand what is known about both the adverse health effects and the potential therapeutic benefits linked to marijuana. Because marijuana impairs short-term memory and judgment and distorts Marijuana perception, it can impair performance in school or at work and make it dangerous to drive an automobile. It also affects brain systems that are still maturing through young adulthood, so regular use by teens may have a negative and long-lasting effect on their cognitive development, putting them at a competitive disadvantage and possibly interfering with their well-being in other ways. Also, contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive, and its use during adolescence What is may make other forms of drug abuse or addiction more likely. marijuana? Whether smoking or otherwise consuming marijuana has therapeutic arijuana — also called weed, herb, pot, grass, bud, ganja, Mary Jane, benefits that outweigh its health risks and a vast number of other slang terms — is a greenish-gray mixture is still an open question that science of the dried, shredded leaves and flowers ofCannabis sativa — the has not resolved. Although many states now permit dispensing marijuana for Mhemp plant. Some users smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes
    [Show full text]
  • Cannabis: a Danger to the Adolescent Brain – How Pediatricians Can Address Marijuana Use by Elaine Gottlieb
    Cannabis: A Danger to the Adolescent Brain – How Pediatricians Can Address Marijuana Use By Elaine Gottlieb Experimenting with sex, alcohol, and drugs is common during adolescence. Among illicit drugs, marijuana is the most commonly used. The liberalization of marijuana laws and increasing availability of medical marijuana have led to greater acceptance of the drug among adults and adolescents who view it as non-addictive and less harmful than other drugs. A recent survey of Massachusetts students showed a decline in the perceived harmfulness of marijuana and a reversal of a decade-long decrease in marijuana use. According to the CDC national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 43 percent of Massachusetts teens have used marijuana one or more times. “Teens think that if marijuana is used as a medicine, it must be safe,” says John Kulig, MD, MPH, Director, Adolescent Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, and Professor of Pediatrics, Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine. “Teens who say they would never smoke tobacco admit they do smoke marijuana.” This is a dangerous trend, as new advances in developmental neuroscience show that adolescent brains are differentially vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of cannabis. As a result, an American Academy of Pediatrics AAP policy statement recommended against the legalization of marijuana because it might lead to increased use among adolescents. “The earlier an adolescent starts smoking, the earlier the potential changes to brain structure and function,” says John Knight, MD, Senior Associate in Medicine and Associate in Psychiatry, Children’s Hospital Boston and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School.
    [Show full text]