title: The time course and significance of cannabis withdrawal.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, South Burlington 05403, USA. abudney@zoo.uvm.edu
authors.forename: Alan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Budney
authors.forename: Brent A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Ryan G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Vandrey
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors