Psychedelic Abstracts
Search Results for: marijuana
 The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a 501(c)(3) corporation chartered in 1986 as a membership-based research and educational organization. Currently numbering 1000 members, MAPS focuses on the development of beneficial, socially-sanctioned uses of psychedelic drugs and marijuana. Such uses may include psychotherapeutic research and treatment, treatment of addiction, pain relief, spiritual exploration, shamanic healing, psychic research, brain physiology research and related scientific inquiries. MAPS pursues its mission by helping scientific researchers design, obtain governmental approval for, fund, conduct and report on psychedelic research in human volunteers. MAPS also publishes a quarterly publication that is sent to its members as well as a large number of government policy makers and academic experts. |
"The Effects of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation and Multisensory Cognitive Therapy on the Personality and Anxiety Levels of Substance Abuse Patients."
Stephen J. Overcash, Ph.D. and Alan Siebenthall, Ed.D.,
Medical Electronics, No. 116, April 1989.
Thirty-two patients who smoke marijuana were divided into two groups. Psychological testing using the 16PF Personality Test was given initially and at the end of the ten sessions. Psychophysiological stress profiles were given during each session. The control group (CG) was treated with EMG biofeedback, Quieting Response relaxation tapes and psychotherapy. The experimental group (ExG) had the same treatment with the addition of (Alpha-Stim) CES and multisensory cognitive therapy (Relax and Learn Software which superimposes positive affirmations over a relaxing videotape). All patients were also given weekly blood tests to determine their use of marijuana.
"Although the nervous tension level was reduced significantly in both groups, the results of the study show significant differences between the two groups in five different areas. An ANOVA performed on the results of the patients EMG indicated that the ExG was more significantly able to reduce their frontalis EMG than the control group. In addition, the ExG was able to reach the same level of relaxation after 8 sessions that it took the CG to reach in 10 sessions. There were four significant differences in the subtests of the 16PF Personality Test. In the self sufficiency subtest, the ExG was significantly more planful than the CG. While the ExG became significantly more assertive in the dominance subtest area, there was no significant difference in the CG. Another subtest showing a significant difference between the groups was ego strength. The ExG appeared to become more decisive in handling their interactions with others, whereas, there was no significant difference in the CG." The researchers concluded, "This may have occurred because the (Alpha-Stim) CES may have allowed the patients to become more relaxed and more open to the affirmations used with the multisensory emotional therapy."
High Times Interview with Andrew Weil, MD
High Times - January 1996
The interview touches on Spontaneous Healing, the dark potential of mushrooms, hemp seed oil as a dietary supplement, beneficial plants, coca leaf, toad venom, lung care for marijuana smokers, ayahuasca and 2-CB.
ALLEN RR; SLIKKER W JR; PAULE MG
Repeated measures designs in behavioral toxicology: application to chronic marijuana smoke exposure.
Neurotoxicol Teratol. 1990 Sep Oct; 12(5): 441-8
This paper discusses the application of repeated measures methods in the statistical analysis of an experiment in behavioral toxicology. The chronic marijuana smoke exposure study conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research is used for an example of the types of problems that one encounters in analyzing these types of studies. In particular, the standard univariate analysis most frequently used for repeated measures analyses has some very restrictive assumptions on the form of the covariance matrices. These assumptions are not met in the example discussed and are rarely met in many other problems. Other possible models for analyzing repeated measures when these assumptions are not met are presented and discussed. Other problems specific to the chronic marijuana smoke exposure study that may occur in similar type studies are presented. These include pooling the experimental units into groups with comparable baselines, choosing a function of the measures to be analyzed, dealing with a large data set with many observation times and missing data, unequal group sizes and different designs for different subsets of the experimental animals. The standard univariate repeated measures analysis was chosen to analyze the data even though the violations of the covariance assumptions may lead to finding differences that do not exist (Type I or false-positive errors), since the other methods presented also had covariance assumptions that were not met or had low power. Use of Bonferroni-type multiple comparisons on the single degree of freedom contrasts of interest hopefully reduced the chances of these false-positive results.
ALMADORI G; PALUDETTI G; CERULLO M; OTTAVIANI F; D'ALATRI L
Marijuana smoking as a possible cause of tongue carcinoma in young patients.
J Laryngol Otol. 1990 Nov; 104(11): 896-9
A case of T1N0M0 carcinoma of the tongue in a male 23-year-old 'regular' marijuana smoker is described. Hemiglossectomy and complete bilateral neck dissection were carried out. No post-operative radiotherapy was given as the resection margins were histologically negative. The tumour recurred one year later in the left cervical region involving the mandible and surgery was again performed, but after three months, neck disease was still evident. The case described case implies the introduction of marijuana as a possible new risk factor in the development of oral cavity tumours. Resection of the primary lesion has to be as wide as possible even in T1 cases, due to the aggressive biological behaviour of such tumours in young subjects.
AMOATENG, ACHEAMPONG YAW; BAHR, STEPHEN J
Religion, Family, and Adolescent Drug Use
Sociological Perspectives; 1986, 29, 1, Jan, 53-76.
A study of the effect of parents' education, mother's employment status, number of parents in household, religiosity, religious affiliation, gender, & race on alcohol & marijuana use, based on data from the University of Michigan's 1982 Monitoring the Future Survey (number of cases = a national sample of 17,000+ high school seniors). Contrary to some previous research, neither parental education nor employment status of mother was related to use of alcohol or marijuana. Adolescents who lived with both parents were less likely than adolescents in single-parent homes to use marijuana, although the differences were relatively small. Number of parents in household was not related to adolescent alcohol use. Level of religiosity had a significant association with alcohol & marijuana use among all religious denominations, although the magnitude of the relationship varied by denomination. Religious denomination, gender, & race were also related to drug use.
ARAFAT, IBTIHAJ; YORBURG, BETTY
DRUG USE AND THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF COLLEGE WOMEN
Journal of Sex Research; 1973, 9, 1, FEB, 21-29.
A SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED TO TEST THE HYPOTHESIS THAT A POSITIVE respondent EXISTS BETWEEN female OF DRUG USE, LIBERAL ATTITUDES TOWARD PREMARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR, & THE INCIDENCE & QUALITY OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. DRUG USE WAS DEFINED AS THE USE OF MARIJUANA &/OR HALLUCINOGINS. 800 UNMARRIED female UNDERGRADUATES IN A LARGE NORTHEASTERN PUBLIC University WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED & SURVEYED. 115 QUESTIONNAIRE'S WERE UNUSABLE & 93 S'S DID NOT RESPOND. QUESTIONS CONCERNED DRUG USE, ATTITUDES TOWARD SEXUAL INTERCOURSE, SEXUAL BEHAVIOR, & THE ACCURACY OF MEDIA REPORTAGE CONCERNING SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. INFORMATION WAS ALSO ELICITED CONCERNING AGE, RELIGION, INCOME, & RESIDENCE. 49% OF THE TOTALNSAMPLE HAVE ENGAGED IN SEXUAL INTERCOURSE; 67%% OF THOSE WHO USE DRUGS (62% OF THE TOTAL57220 SAMPLE_HALF OF WHICH USED MARIJUANA) REPORTED SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. ONLY 18% OF THE R'S NOT USING DRUGS REPORTED THEMSELVES AS SEXUALLY ACTIVE. A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP EXISTS BETWEEN AGE, RELIGION, & RESIDENCE; & SEXUAL INTERCOURSE & DRUG USE. SEXUAL ACTIVITY INCREASED TO AGE 21, AFTER WHICH DECLINES WERE REPORTED, PROTESTANTS SHOWED A HIGHER INCIDENCE OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE & DRUG USE THAN EITHER JEWISH OF CATHOLIC R'S. THOSE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE THE HOME ALSO WERE MORE LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL INTERCOURSE & DRUG USE.
ARY DV; BIGLAN A; GLASGOW R; ZOREF L; BLACK C; OCHS L; SEVERSON H; KELLY R; WEIS
The efficacy of social-influence prevention programs versus 'standard care': are new initiatives needed?
J Behav Med. 1990 Jun; 13(3): 281-96
This study evaluates the effects of a school-based smoking prevention program after 1 year, using school (22 middle/elementary schools, 15 high schools) as both the unit of randomization and the unit of analysis. The multigrade level (grades 6 through 9) intervention was designed to address comprehensively the social influence factors that encourage smoking. Teacher survey data indicated that treatment schools had a median of 10 classroom sessions devoted to tobacco/drug use education, 5 of which were the sessions designed for this evaluation, and control schools had also dedicated a median of 10 classroom sessions to tobacco/drug education. Thus, the study evaluated the incremental effects of the social influence intervention compared to 'standard-care' curricula. Among those who reported smoking one or more cigarettes in the month prior to the intervention, there was a significant treatment effect on rate of smoking at one year, but no grade level, gender, or interaction effects. The 1-year covariate-adjusted smoking rate among pretest smokers in the treatment schools was 76.6 cigarettes per month, compared to 111.6 cigarettes per month in control schools, a 31.4% difference. These effects were not accounted for by differential subject attrition. The analyses for nonsmokers, however, showed no significant effects, and the program did not affect self-reported alcohol or marijuana use. Taken together with the results of other prevention studies, these results point to the need for the development and evaluation of new initiatives to prevent substance use.
BACHMAN JG; WALLACE JM JR; O'MALLEY PM; JOHNSTON LD; KURTH CL; NEIGHBORS HW
Racial/Ethnic differences in smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use among American high school seniors, 1976-89.
Am J Public Health. 1991 Mar; 81(3): 372-7
BACKGROUND. This paper reports racial/ethnic differences in the use of licit and illicit drugs by high school seniors in the United States. METHODS. The study uses questionnaire data from annual, nationally representative surveys of seniors from 1976 through 1989. Combined sample sizes were 57,620 for 1976-79; 75,772 for 1980-84; and 73,527 for 1985-89. RESULTS. Native American had the highest prevalence rates for cigarettes, alcohol, and most illicit drugs; White students had the next highest rates for most drugs. Asian Americans had the lowest prevalence rates, and Black students had levels nearly as low except for marijuana. Prevalence rates for the Hispanic groups were mostly in the intermediate ranges except for relatively high cocaine use among the males. Trend patterns for most forms of drug use were similar across subgroups, although cigarette use declined more sharply for Black than White seniors, resulting in greater Black-White differences in recent years. CONCLUSIONS. This study, other school-based studies, and general population surveys all show relatively low levels of drug use by most non-White youth, especially Black Americans and Asian Americans. Multivariate analyses indicate that such subgroup differences in high school seniors' drug use are not primarily attributable to family composition, parents' education, region, or urban-rural distinctions.
BAGADIA, V N
Three Country Studies: Mental-Health Care and Its Problems in India
International Social Science Journal; 1973, 25, 4, 512-531.
An examination is presented of mental health problems, the most important stress factors in India, & some sociocultural variables (class, sex, marriage, family occupation) affecting it. The sudden transition from an agro-rural to an urban industrial civilization does not seem to have resulted in an explosion of mental health problems due to some of the protective-defensive factors of old values & social organization. Various observable disturbances are briefly discussed along with their estimated incidence: organic psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, manic excitement, neurosis, psychopathy, drug addictions (alcohol, various form of marijuana) sexual problems, mental deficiency & children's problems, & suicide. The institutional framework within which any mental health program must exist is outlined & indicates: (1) not enough psychiatrists to aid in the definition of the `insane' as they come before the court; (2) formal preventive psychiatry is absent in any form; (3) facilities for diagnosis & treatment are few in number, & understaffed; (4) best facilities are in the form of outpatient clinics attached to general hospitals; & (5) the Indian Council of Medical Research offers grant-in-aid-particularly research on Ayurvedic psychiatry, Yoga therapy, & participation in an international project on schizophrenia. Both because of inadequate hospital facilities & traditional orientation toward mental illness, patients are treated in their community & in their own homes, restricting modern psychiatry to the cities. Rural & semi-rural areas fall back on religion & indigenous medicine. In a country like India with a very high level of illiteracy, shortage of mental health facilities, & a long history of systematical classification of mental illnesses & their treatment, the role of the indigenous mental-health worker, Ayurvedic & Unani practitioners, might be expanded & formalized under supervision & proper control.
Baldwin DC Jr; Hughes PH; Conard SE; Storr CL; Sheehan DV
Substance use among senior medical students. A survey of 23 medical schools [see comments]
JAMA; 1991 Apr 24; 265(16); P 2074-8
Senior students at 23 regionally distributed medical schools received an anonymous questionnaire designed to examine current and prior use of tobacco, alcohol, and nine other drugs. The overall response rate was 67% (N = 2046). Substance use prevalence rates during the 30 days preceding the survey included alcohol, 87.5%; marijuana, 10.0%; cigarettes, 10.0%; cocaine, 2.8%; tranquilizers, 2.3%; opiates other than heroin, 1.1%; psychedelics other than LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), 0.6%; amphetamines, 0.3%; barbiturates, 0.2%; LSD, 0.1%; and heroin, 0.0%. Compared with national, age-related comparison groups, senior medical students reported less use of all substances during the past 30 days and the past 12 months, except for alcohol, tranquilizers, and psychedelics other than LSD. Substantial new drug use after entry into medical school was reported only for tranquilizers. Seven students (0.2%) admitted to current dependence on a substance other than tobacco, four of these implicating marijuana. Thirty-three students (1.6%) believed that they currently needed help for substance abuse. Only 25.7% were aware of any policy on substance abuse at their own school.
BARBERS RG; EVANS MJ; GONG H JR; TASHKIN DP
Enhanced alveolar monocytic phagocyte (macrophage) proliferation in tobacco and marijuana smokers.
Am Rev Respir Dis. 1991 May; 143(5 Pt 1): 1092-5
We tested the hypothesis that enhanced cell division accounted for the augmented numbers of monocytic phagocytes with characteristics attributed to alveolar macrophages (AM) found in the lungs of habitual tobacco (T) and marijuana (M) smokers. The monocytic phagocytes, that is, alveolar macrophages, were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from 12 nonsmoking subjects; 10 subjects who smoked T only (TS); 13 subjects who smoked M only (MS); and 6 smokers of both T and M (MTS). The replication of these cells was determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into the DNA of dividing cells and visually counting 2,000 cells on autoradiographically prepared cytocentrifuge cell preparations. This study demonstrated that the number of [3H]thymidine-labeled monocytic phagocytes with characteristics of alveolar macrophages from either TS or MS have a higher proliferative index compared to cells (macrophages) from nonsmokers, p less than 0.05 by one-way ANOVA. The total number of BAL macrophages that are in mitosis in TS (17.90 +/- 4.50 labeled AM x 10(3)/ml) or MTS (10.50 +/- 4.20 labeled AM x 10(3)/ml) are 18- and 10-fold greater, respectively, than the number obtained from nonsmokers (1.01 +/- 0.18 labeled AM x 10(3)/ml). Interestingly, the number of [3H]thymidine-labeled macrophages from MS (2.90 +/- 0.66 labeled AM x 10(3)/ml) are also greater than the number obtained from nonsmokers, although this is not statistically significant. The stimulus augmenting alveolar macrophage replication is as yet unknown but may likely be found in the T or M smoke. ...
Bello, Joan M.
The Physical, Psychological, Spiritual Benefits of Marijuana.
Susquehanna, PA: Lifeservices Press. (1992)
BERENSON AB; STIGLICH NJ; WILKINSON GS; ANDERSON GD
Drug abuse and other risk factors for physical abuse in pregnancy among white non-Hispanic, black, and Hispanic women.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1991 Jun; 164(6 Pt 1): 1491-6; discussion 1496-9
We investigated prevalence and risk factors associated with physical abuse among a tricultural population of 501 pregnant women who attended a public prenatal clinic. Twenty percent (98/501) reported being physically abused; 29% (28/98) stated that abuse occurred during pregnancy. More white non-Hispanic women reported previous abuse than did black or Hispanic women. Battered women more frequently were divorced or separated, were of greater parity, smoked, used alcohol, or admitted to illicit drug use than did women who were not battered. An increased risk of previous physical abuse was observed among white non-Hispanic and black women who used alcohol (odds ratios = 3.0 and 6.0) or drugs (odds ratios = 2.1 and 3.7) but not among Hispanic women. Odds ratios of 4.7 for cocaine use among white non-Hispanic women, 4.7 for marijuana use among black women, and 5.8 for tobacco use among Hispanic women were observed. This is the first study to report the effects of race on the association between physical abuse of pregnant women and substance use.
BLOCK RI; FARNHAM S; BRAVERMAN K; NOYES R JR; GHONEIM MM
Long-term marijuana use and subsequent effects on learning and cognitive functions related to school achievement: preliminary study.
NIDA Res Monogr. 1990; 101: 96-111
[NO ABSTRACT]
BOADO, ALICIA
A Historical-Anthropological Review of Drugs in Different Cultures; Resena historica-antropologica de las drogas en distintas culturas
RS, Cuadernos de Realidades Sociales; 1984, 23-24, Jan, 131-152.
A historical sketch of drug usage in ancient, medieval, & modern cultures. Fourteen different drugs are discussed, including: mild drugs, eg, tobacco, coffee, & tea; mid-strength drugs, eg, alcohol & marijuana; & very potent drugs, eg, opium derivatives & LSD. Also described are drugs seldom encountered in the Western cultures, eg, kawa-kawa (piper methysticum), a strong intoxicant used in Oceania.
BONYUN, ROSEMARY
Survey of Drug Use in an Ottawa Board High School, January, 1981.
American Mental Health Counselors Association Journal; v2 n1 p38-45 Jan 1980
In an Ottawa high school, a committee of staff and student representatives explored drug use in the school. A questionnaire was developed to assess student perception of academic performance and extracurricular involvement; students' frequency of drug use during the previous two months for nine categories of drugs; time and place of use and source of drugs; and student opinions of the degree of harmfulness of various drugs and their reasons for using drugs. Questionnaires were completed by 1230 high school students during the 1980-81 school year. Results revealed that alcohol was the most frequently used substance, followed by marijuana, LSD, and cocaine. Use of angel dust, heroin, and solvents was rarely reported. Use of alcohol, marijuana, and LSD increased sharply between grades 9 and 11 but little after that. Friends or relatives were reported to be the most frequent source of drugs, while nearly half of the users had obtained drugs from a dealer at least some of the time. Students rated alcohol and marijuana at least harmful; cigarettes, drugs from a drugstore, cocaine, solvents, LSD, heroin, and angel dust were ranked in a 'more' to 'most' harmful order. Sex differences in drug use were not statistically significant. Comparisons with earlier studies suggest that high school students in 1970, 1977, and 1981 are in general agreement about the harmfulness of certain drugs. (NRB)
BOTVIN GJ; BAKER E; DUSENBURY L; TORTU S; BOTVIN EM
Preventing adolescent drug abuse through a multimodal cognitive-behavioral approach: results of a 3-year study.
J Consult Clin Psychol. 1990 Aug; 58(4): 437-46
Students (N = 4,466) attending 56 schools in New York State were involved in a 3-year study testing the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention. In a randomized block design, schools were assigned to receive (a) the prevention program with formal provider training and implementation feedback, (b) the prevention program with videotaped provider training and no feedback, or (c) no treatment. After pretest equivalence and comparability of conditions with respect to attrition were established, students who received at least 60% of the prevention program (N = 3,684) were included in analyses of program effectiveness. Significant prevention effects were found for cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and immoderate alcohol use. Prevention effects were also found for normative expectations and knowledge concerning substance use, interpersonal skills, and communication skills.
Brecher, Edward M. dn
Licit and illicit drugs; the Consumers Union report on narcotics, stimulants, depressants, inhalants, hallucinogens, and marijuana - including caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol by Edward M. Brecher and the editors of Consumer reports. (1st ed.) Boston, Little, Brown (1972) xv, 623 p. illus. 25 cm.
Keywords:
Drugs.
Drugs--Physiological effect.
Drug abuse--United States.
Brown, Alan & Stickgold, Arthur.
Marijuana Flashback Phenomena.
J. Psychedelic Drugs 8(4):275-283. (1976)
BROWN, ALAN; STICKGOLD, ARTHUR
Marijuana flashback phenomena.
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; 1976 Oct-Dec Vol 8(4) 275-283
Reports 13 cases of spontaneous recurrence of the feelings and perceptual alterations that ordinarily accompanied the use of marihuana, without actual use of the drug. The case descriptions were obtained from a telephone counseling center in a midwestern city. The cases were classified into 5 categories: (a) prolonged anxiety reaction resulting from a conflict between rigid morality and drug use; (b) precipitation of psychotic reactions in those who had a previous history of psychosis; (c) hallucinations, mainly visual, without loss of orientation or thought disorder; (d) enhanced appreciation, usually pleasant, of environmental stimuli for a short period of time; and (e) questionable cases, reported by those who were intoxicated by other drugs, and hoaxes.
Brunner, Theodore F.
Marijuana in Ancient Greece and Rome? The Literary Evidence.
J. Psychedelic Drugs 9(3):221-225. (1977)
CAMPBELL BK; STARK MJ
Psychopathology and personality characteristics in different forms of substance abuse.
Int J Addict. 1990 Dec; 25(12): 1467-74
Sixteen opiate, 16 amphetamine, 34 cocaine, and 29 marijuana abusers were administered the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory and the SCL-90R symptom checklist at treatment admission. Results showed that the combined drug group had levels of psychopathology that were significantly higher than those of a normative psychiatric sample. The four drug groups differed significantly from one another on four scales of the SCL-90R, with the amphetamine group differing from the others on two of the scales. These findings reveal high levels of psychopathology and considerable heterogeneity of symptoms within and across groups of substance abusers at treatment admission.
CARLSON BR; EDWARDS WH
Human values and marijuana use.
Int J Addict. 1990 Dec; 25(12): 1393-401
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prioritized rankings of human values among persons who either use or do not use marijuana. Discriminant analyses indicated that personal values are more important to marijuana users, while social values are more important to nonusers. Based upon the present study and previous research, the existence of a value orientation predisposing some individuals toward substance experimentation and use is suggested.
CHEN J; PAREDES W; LOWINSON JH; GARDNER EL
Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol enhances presynaptic dopamine efflux in medial prefrontal cortex.
Eur J Pharmacol. 1990 Nov 6; 190(1-2): 259-62
Acute administration of 1.0-2.0 mg/kg delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) increased presynaptic dopamine (DA) efflux in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats, as measured by intracerebral microdialysis in awake, behaving rats. These data are congruent with suggestions that (1) marijuana's euphorigenic effects and abuse potential may be related to augmentation of presynaptic DA mechanisms, and (2) the medial prefrontal cortex may be an important site of action for drugs of abuse in general and for delta 9-THC in particular.
CHEN JP; PAREDES W; LI J; SMITH D; LOWINSON J; GARDNER EL
Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol produces naloxone-blockable enhancement of presynaptic basal dopamine efflux in nucleus accumbens of conscious, freely-moving rats as measured by intracerebral microdialysis.
Psychopharmacology Berl. 1990; 102(2): 156-62
This study examined the effects of acute administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, on extracellular efflux of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites as measured by in vivo microdialysis in nucleus accumbens of conscious, freely-moving rats. delta 9-THC, at low doses (0.5-1.0 mg/kg), which significantly enhance brain stimulation reward (intracranial self-stimulation), significantly increased DA efflux in nucleus accumbens. Augmentation of DA efflux by delta 9-THC was abolished by removal of calcium (Ca++) ions from the perfusion fluid, indicating a Ca(++)-dependence of delta 9-THC's action. Augmentation of DA efflux by delta 9-THC was either totally blocked or significantly attenuated by doses of naloxone as low as 0.1 mg/kg. Given the postulated role of mesocorticolimbic DA circuits in mediating and/or modulating brain stimulation reward, the present data raise the possibility that marijuana's rewarding effects, and hence its euphorigenic effects and abuse potential, may be related to pharmacological augmentation of presynaptic DA mechanisms. Additionally, the DA mechanisms enhanced by marijuana appear to be modulated by an endogenous opioid peptide system.
CLARK RF; HARCHELROAD F
Toxicology screening of the trauma patient: a changing profile.
Ann Emerg Med. 1991 Feb; 20(2): 151-3
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the current ingestants found in the multiply injured trauma patient and to determine if this select group of ingestants affected the resuscitation, evaluation, or convalescent management of these patients. DESIGN: A one-year retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who were admitted to an urban trauma center with a discharge diagnosis of multiple trauma and who received a comprehensive toxicology screening test. MAIN RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven of the 177 patients (72%) who fulfilled the criteria had positive toxicology screens. Ethyl alcohol was the only drug present in 26 of these patients (20%); 57 (45%) were positive for drugs other than ethyl alcohol. A combination of ethyl alcohol and at least one other drug was quantified in 44 patients (35%). The most often encountered substances were ethyl alcohol (55%), marijuana (24%), and cocaine (21%). Twelve drug screens (9%) demonstrated pharmaceuticals (eg, acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, or cyclic antidepressants) that may require specific antidotal treatment. CONCLUSION: The ingestant profile found in this subgroup of trauma patients differed from those of previous studies. Although a select group of these ingestants requires specific treatment or affects the physical assessment of the patient, none of these trauma patients received more than supportive care.
COCHRAN, JOHN K; AKERS, RONALD L
Beyond Hellfire: An Exploration of the Variable Effects of Religiosity on Adolescent Marijuana and Alcohol Use
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency; 1989, 26, 3, Aug, 198-225.
After describing Travis Hirschi's & Rodney Stark's 'Hellfire hypothesis' of the link between religiosity & delinquency (see SA 19:1-2/71E7824), several of its subsequent revisions-eg, the antiasceticism, norm qualities, & moral communities hypotheses-are tested using questionnaire data on adolescent substance use & delinquent behavior (N = 3,065 seventh-twelfth graders in 3 midwestern US states who were part of the original Boys Town study by Ronald L. Akers et al (eg, see SA 28:2/80K6604). After controlling for age, race, gender, & socioeconomic status, regression analysis reveals only moderate support for the link between religiosity & deviance, in contrast to previous studies. Only when secular norms & values are ambiguous, & religious standards condemn a particular act, does religiosity have a definite deterrent impact, supporting the antiasceticism hypothesis. Additional research is needed to specify the social contexts that modify the effects of religion on delinquency.
comicbooks. various 1960s-style "underground" comics with psychedelic art or themes: [box 8m]
* Dope Comix No. 1, 3 (two copies, contains humorous story "The Guide: My First Acid Trip"), 4. Kitchen Sink Enterprises, Princeton, WI. * Guano comix : "Fertilizer for Your Mind". No. 4. Jacksonville, FL. 1972. 50c.
* Inner City Romance. Cover only.
* Mother Oats Comix #3. 1976. Rip Off Press. San Francisco, CA. contains "Marijuana Imagery: An Illustrated Experiement". describes UCLA / NIMH Research in terms that even a doper can understand. by Ron Siegel and Dave Sheridan.
* Yow No. 2 (two copies)
* Zap comics No. 4, 6 ![[ZEFF LIBRARY]](zefftag.gif)
Conard S; Hughes P; Baldwin DC Jr; Achenbach KE; Sheehan DV
Substance use by fourth-year students at 13 U.S. medical schools.
J MED EDUC; 1988 Oct; 63(10); P 747-58
Fourth-year medical students at 13 medical schools in different regions of the United States received an anonymous questionnaire designed to examine their current and prior use of 11 substances and their attitudes toward substance use among physicians. Of 1,427 questionnaires distributed, 41 percent were returned. The questionnaire and distribution method were derived from an ongoing survey on drug use in order to permit comparison of the medical students with a national sample of age- and sex-matched cohorts. The rates of substance use during the 30 days preceding receipt of the questionnaire were: alcohol, 87.8 percent; marijuana, 17.3 percent; cigarettes, 9.0 percent; cocaine, 5.6 percent; heroin, 0.0 percent; other opiates, 0.9 percent; LSD, 0.2 percent; other psychedelics, 0.5 percent; barbiturates, 0.5 percent; tranquilizers, 2.2 percent; and amphetamines, 1.2 percent. Compared with their age and sex cohorts nationally, the medical students reported less use of marijuana, cocaine, cigarettes, LSD, barbiturates, and amphetamines. However, their use of other opiates was approximately the same and their use of tranquilizers and alcohol was slightly higher than that of the other cohorts. Data on their sources of knowledge about drug abuse indicate the need for greater attention to this issue in the medical curriculum.
CONARD, SCOTT; AND OTHERS
Substance Use by Fourth-Year Students at 13 U.S. Medical Schools.
Journal of Medical Education; v63 n10 p747-58 Oct 1988
A study investigated drug use by fourth-year medical students in 13 schools and compared drug use patterns with those of an age- and sex-matched cohort. Medical students reported less use of marijuana, cocaine, cigarettes, LSD, barbiturates, and amphetamines, similar use of opiates, and slightly more use of tranquilizers and alcohol. (MSE)
CONE EJ
Marijuana effects and urinalysis after passive inhalation and oral ingestion.
NIDA Res Monogr. 1990; 99: 88-96
[NO ABSTRACT] urine testing after passive marijuana exposure
Davis, Carl S.
Marijuana and Psychedelic Use: Are They Deviant Responses.
Drug Forum 6(4):315-326. (1978)
DAY NL; RICHARDSON GA
Prenatal marijuana use: epidemiology, methodologic issues, and infant outcome.
Clin Perinatol. 1991 Mar; 18(1): 77-91
What do we know about marijuana use among women of reproductive age and about the use of marijuana during pregnancy? Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance, and after alcohol and tobacco, the most commonly used drug during pregnancy. Women who use marijuana are more likely to be white, younger, and to use other substances. The characteristics of women who use marijuana during early pregnancy are similar, although women who continue to use marijuana throughout pregnancy are somewhat different. These women are less-well educated, of lower social class, much more likely to use other substances, and more likely to be black. We do not know why some women use marijuana while others do not, and why some women discontinue their use during pregnancy while others do not. What do we know about the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy? A number of studies have investigated the relationship between prenatal marijuana exposure and outcome at birth. The results, unfortunately, are equivocal. Prospective studies that have examined women at regular and frequent intervals during pregnancy, in general, have not found a relationship between marijuana use and birthweight (Day NL, Sambamoorthi U, Taylor P, et al: unpublished data, 1990) although some have reported a small effect of marijuana use on birth length (Day NL, Sambamoorthi U, Taylor P, et al: unpublished data, 1990). Other studies, some prospective and some retrospective, have reported correlations between marijuana use during pregnancy and smaller size at birth. Several of these studies, however, failed to control adequately for other illicit drug use while one used marijuana only as a dichotomous variable in the analysis. Therefore, we do not yet know whether there is or is not an effect of marijuana use during pregnancy on intrauterine growth retardation. Only a few studies have reported on growth outside the neonatal period, and these studies have not found a consistent effect of prenatal marijuana exposure. There are, however, too few reports to assume that this is definitive. Several studies reported a relationship between prenatal marijuana use and the gestational age of the infant. As with growth, however, other studies have not corroborated these findings. Similarly, two studies have noted an increase in morphologic abnormalities, although one of these did not have a control group for comparison. Most studies have reported finding no relationship with either minor or major morphologic abnormalities. At birth, investigators have assessed the relationship between prenatal marijuana exposure and neurobehavioral outcome. Again, the results are contradictory. ...
DEAN RE
Diabetes? and the Native American.
S D J Med. 1990 Dec; 43(12): 15
BACKGROUND. This paper reports racial/ethnic differences in the use of licit and illicit drugs by high school seniors in the United States. METHODS. The study uses questionnaire data from annual, nationally representative surveys of seniors from 1976 through 1989. Combined sample sizes were 57,620 for 1976-79; 75,772 for 1980-84; and 73,527 for 1985-89. RESULTS. Native American had the highest prevalence rates for cigarettes, alcohol, and most illicit drugs; White students had the next highest rates for most drugs. Asian Americans had the lowest prevalence rates, and Black students had levels nearly as low except for marijuana. Prevalence rates for the Hispanic groups were mostly in the intermediate ranges except for relatively high cocaine use among the males. Trend patterns for most forms of drug use were similar across subgroups, although cigarette use declined more sharply for Black than White seniors, resulting in greater Black-White differences in recent years. CONCLUSIONS. This study, other school-based studies, and general population surveys all show relatively low levels of drug use by most non-White youth, especially Black Americans and Asian Americans. Multivariate analyses indicate that such subgroup differences in high school seniors' drug use are not primarily attributable to family composition, parents' education, region, or urban-rural distinctions.
DEMBO R; WILLIAMS L; LA VOIE L; GETREU A; BERRY E; GENUNG L; SCHMEIDLER J; WISH
A longitudinal study of the relationships among alcohol use, marijuana/hashish use, cocaine use, and emotional/psychological functioning problems in a cohort of high-risk youths.
Int J Addict. 1990 Nov; 25(11): 1341-82
There is increasing recognition that children involved in the justice system often have serious, multiple problems in the areas of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and alcohol/other drug use (ADM). Using data collected in a longitudinal study of detained juveniles, we test a model of the relationships of these problems. Significant over-time interrelationships are found among these problems. Research and policy implications of these important findings are drawn.
DEMBO R; WILLIAMS L; WISH ED; BERRY E; GETREU A; WASHBURN M; SCHMEIDLER J
Examination of the relationships among drug use, emotional/psychological problems, and crime among youths entering a juvenile detention center.
Int J Addict. 1990 Nov; 25(11): 1301-40
Urine testing and confidential interviews of youths entering a juvenile detention center in a southeastern city produced some striking results in regard to their drug use, delinquent behavior, and emotional/psychological problems. Recent users of marijuana/hashish and cocaine had higher rates of referral to juvenile court for property and drug offenses than nonusers. The results suggest that interviewing and urine testing of youthful detainees for drug use at the point of entry into secure detention is a promising method for screening youngsters with histories of delinquent behavior. Implications of these findings are drawn.
DENNING DW; FOLLANSBEE SE; SCOLARO M; NORRIS S; EDELSTEIN H; STEVENS DA
Pulmonary aspergillosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
N Engl J Med. 1991 Mar 7; 324(10): 654-62
BACKGROUND AND METHODS. Symptomatic pulmonary aspergillosis has rarely been reported in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We describe the predisposing factors, the clinical and radiologic features, and the therapeutic outcomes in 13 patients with pulmonary aspergillosis, all of whom had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and 12 of whom had AIDS. RESULTS. Pulmonary aspergillosis was detected a median of 25 months after the diagnosis of AIDS, usually following corticosteroid use, neutropenia, pneumonia due to other pathogens, marijuana smoking, or the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Two major patterns of disease were observed: invasive aspergillosis (in 10 patients) and obstructing bronchial aspergillosis (in 3). Cough and fever, the most common symptoms, tended to be insidious in onset in patients with invasive disease (median duration, 1.3 months before diagnosis). Breathlessness, cough, and chest pain predominated in the three patients with obstructing bronchial aspergillosis, who coughed up fungal casts. Radiologic patterns included upper-lobe cavitary disease (sometimes mistaken for tuberculosis), nodules, pleural-based lesions, and diffuse infiltrates, usually of the lower lobe. Transbronchial biopsies were usually negative, but positive cultures were obtained from bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid or percutaneous aspirates. Dissemination to other organs occurred in at least two patients, and direct invasion of extrapulmonary sites was seen in two others. The results of treatment with amphotericin B, itraconazole, or both were variable. Ten of the patients died a median of 3 months after the diagnosis (range, 0 to 12 months). CONCLUSIONS. Pulmonary aspergillosis is a possible late complication of AIDS; if diagnosed early, it may be treated successfully.
DOBLIN R; KLEIMAN MA
Medical use of marijuana [letter]
Ann Intern Med. 1991 May 1; 114(9): 809-10
[NO ABSTRACT] marijuana
DOBLIN RE; KLEIMAN MA
Marijuana as antiemetic medicine: a survey of oncologists' experiences and attitudes.
J Clin Oncol. 1991 Jul; 9(7): 1314-9
A random-sample, anonymous survey of the members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) was conducted in spring 1990 measuring the attitudes and experiences of American oncologists concerning the antiemetic use of marijuana in cancer chemotherapy patients. The survey was mailed to about one third (N = 2,430) of all United States-based ASCO members and yielded a response rate of 43% (1,035). More than 44% of the respondents report recommending the (illegal) use of marijuana for the control of emesis to at least one cancer chemotherapy patient. Almost one half (48%) would prescribe marijuana to some of their patients if it were legal. As a group, respondents considered smoked marijuana to be somewhat more effective than the legally available oral synthetic dronabinol ([THC] Marinol; Unimed, Somerville, NJ) and roughly as safe. Of the respondents who expressed an opinion, a majority (54%) thought marijuana should be available by prescription. These results bear on the question of whether marijuana has a 'currently accepted medical use,' at issue in an ongoing administrative and legal dispute concerning whether marijuana in smoked form should be available by prescription along with synthetic THC in oral form. This survey demonstrates that oncologists' experience with the medical use of marijuana is more extensive, and their opinions of it are more favorable, than the regulatory authorities appear to have believed.
DONOVAN JE; JESSOR R; COSTA FM
Adolescent health behavior and conventionality-unconventionality: an extension of problem-behavior theory.
Health Psychol. 1991; 10(1): 52-61
Examined the relation of psychosocial and behavioral conventionality-unconventionality to health-related behavior in cross-sectional data from 1,588 male and female 7th to 12th graders. Conventionality-unconventionality was represented by personality, perceived social environment, and behavior variables selected from the social-psychological framework of problem-behavior theory (R. Jessor & S. L. Jessor, 1977). Greater psychosocial conventionality correlates with more regular involvement in health-related behavior (regular physical activity, adequate sleep, safety belt use, attention to healthy diet). Greater behavioral conventionality (less involvement in problem behaviors such as marijuana use, problem drinking, delinquent-type behavior, and greater involvement in conventional behaviors such as church attendance) was also associated with greater involvement in health-maintaining behavior. The overall findings provide support for the extension of problem-behavior theory to the domain of adolescent health behavior and for the relevance of the dimension of conventionality-unconventionality.
DRAKULIC, SLOBODAN
DRUG ADDICTION IN YOUNG PEOPLE; NARKOMANIJE MLADIH
Revija za Sociologiju; 1973, 3, 3-4, 109-113.
IN 1967 & 1968, DRUG ADDICTION GAINED NEW ADHERENTS IN YUGOSLAVIA. NO EXACT STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE ADDICTED IN YUGOSLAVIA EXIST. IN ANALYZING THE ROOTS OF THE PROBLEM, United States LITERATURE IS HELPFUL, BUT NOT EXACTLY APPLICABLE TO YUGOSLAV CONDITIONS; THERE ARE SIMILARITIES & ALSO GREAT SOCIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE 2 COUNTRIES. A DRAWBACK OF EXISTING YUGOSLAV LITERATURE IS THAT IT IS AUTHORED BY MD'S, PSYCHOLOGISTS & PSYCHIATRISTS, & IT IS LOADED WITH 'NEVER AGAIN' CONFESSIONS WHICH DO NOT GIVE A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE CAUSES OF THE PHENOMENON. THE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM IS GENERALLY CLINICAL. A SURVEY OF YOUNG DRUG ADDICTS IN ZAGREB WAS UNDERTAKEN, FACILITATED BY PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE WITH THE INTERVIEWEES BY THE RESEARCHER. YUGOSLAV YOUTH TAKE LSD, HASHISH, & MARIJUANA & MESKALINE IN MUCH SMALLER MEASURE. THE DRUGS USED ARE NOT ADDICTIVE; THE STATEMENTS OF SELF-PROCLAIMED EXPERTS TO THE CONTRARY ARE NOT BASED ON RESEARCH DATA. DRUG ADDICTION AMONG YUGOSLAV YOUTH IS MARKED BY RELIANCE ON DRUGS OF THE NONADDICTIVE TYPE. THE REASONS GIVEN FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF DRUGS VARIED FROM PLEASURE, TO CONSCIOUSNESS EXPANSION, & PEER GROUP PRESSURE. S. KARGANOVIC
Drug Awareness: Key Documents on LSD, Marijuana, and the Drug Culture. editors: Richard E. Horman and Allan M. Fox. Discus / Avon. New York. c1970. fifth printing 1972. velobound photocopy. [box v1]
ELLISON JM; GELWAN E; OGLETREE J
Complex partial seizure symptoms affected by marijuana abuse [letter]
J Clin Psychiatry. 1990 Oct; 51(10): 439-40
[NO ABSTRACT] marijuana
ELSOHLY MA; JONES AB; ELSOHLY HN
Cross-reactivity of selected compounds in the Abbott TDx cannabinoid assay.
J Anal Toxicol. 1990 Sep Oct; 14(5): 277-9
Immunoassay procedures, both enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay, continue to be widely used to screen samples for recent marijuana use by analyzing the urine samples for 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (11-nor-delta 9-THC-9-COOH) (the major urinary metabolite of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol [delta 9-THC]). Using commercially available immunoassay reagents, the cross-reactivity of the antiserum utilized in Abbott's TDx cannabinoid assay (a fluorescence polarization immunoassay) was evaluated. This cross-reactivity was evaluated against a group of cannabinoids and noncannabinoid phenolic constituents of Cannabis, some cannabinoid metabolites, and other agents that appear in normal urine samples. In general, the antiserum was equally reactive toward 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, its glucuronide, and the corresponding delta 8-isomer, which was the acid moiety utilized in standards and controls of the assay prior to January, 1990. Reduced binding to the antiserum was observed with hydroxylated derivatives of delta 9- and delta 8-THC, and the other cannabinoids, in general, exhibited limited binding potentials toward the antibody. For the noncannabinoid constituents, no binding was observed at the highest concentrations evaluated (40 mg/L).
ELSOHLY MA
Urinalysis and casual handling of marijuana and cocaine [letter]
J Anal Toxicol. 1991 Jan Feb; 15(1): 46
[NO ABSTRACT] urine testing marijuana
FABIAN WD JR; FISHKIN SM
Psychological absorption. Affect investment in marijuana intoxication.
J Nerv Ment Dis. 1991 Jan; 179(1): 39-43
Absorption (a trait capacity for total attentional involvement) was reported to increase during episodes of marijuana intoxication. Several subsets of the absorption scale items specifically characterized marijuana intoxication, and groups of users and nonusers showed differential affective involvement with these experiences. Additionally, within the drug-using group, a positive correlation between frequency of marijuana use and affective ratings of these experiences was found. The findings support the hypothesis that a specific type of alteration in consciousness that enhances capacity for total attentional involvement (absorption) characterizes marijuana intoxication, and that this enhancement may act as a reinforcer, possibly influencing future use.
FELDMAN, HARVEY
Street Status and Drug Users
Trans Action; 1973, 10, 4, May-Jun, 32-38.
By 1969, drug use had become an integral part of street life in East Highland. The decision not to take drugs was said by street-wise youth to be more difficult than the decision to take drugs. Based on a combination of risk components (physical harm, addiction potential, parental discovery, police, intragroup dangers) & type of drug (heroin, other opiates, barbiturates, cough medicines, LSD, esoteric forms, diet pills, marijuana), a hierarchy of social types is developed. Aspirants to the top are charted on a continuum from 'faggot' to 'asshole' to 'solid guy' to 'tough guy' to 'crazy guy' at the top. Young men are viewed as making choices regarding drug use & associated social position, not as retreating into drugs. At the top, 'their use of heroin solidifies a view of them as bold, reckless, criminally deviant--all praiseworthy qualities from a street perspective.' G. Schmeling
FRANK DA; BAUCHNER H; PARKER S; HUBER AM; KYEI ABOAGYE K; CABRAL H; ZUCKERMAN B
Neonatal body proportionality and body composition after in utero exposure to cocaine and marijuana.
J Pediatr. 1990 Oct; 117(4): 622-6
The relationship of maternal use of marijuana and cocaine during pregnancy to measures of neonatal body proportionality and body composition was assessed in a multiethnic sample of 1082 newborn infants. Maternal use of marijuana and cocaine during pregnancy was ascertained by self-report and by an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique for screening of urine samples obtained prenatally and again post partum. After each substance was analytically controlled for use of the other and for other potentially confounding variables, detection of marijuana metabolites in maternal urine was associated (p less than 0.05) with depressed mean arm muscle circumference and nonfat area of the arm but not with any measure of neonatal fatness. In contrast, detection of cocaine in maternal urine was associated (p less than 0.05) with decrements of subscapular fat folds and of the fat and nonfat areas of the arm. Although both substances were associated with depressed birth weight, there was no decrement of neonatal ponderal index or of the arm circumference/head circumference ratio in association with exposure to either substance. We conclude that both marijuana exposure and cocaine exposure during pregnancy are associated with symmetric intrauterine growth retardation, but that deficits are in differing compartments of intrauterine growth. These findings suggest that marijuana may retard fetal growth through maternal-fetal hypoxia, whereas cocaine may alter nutrient transfer to the fetus and fetal metabolism.
FRIEDMAN GD; TEKAWA I; GRIMM RH; MANOLIO T; SHANNON SG; SIDNEY S
The leucocyte count: correlates and relationship to coronary risk factors: the CARDIA study.
Int J Epidemiol. 1990 Dec; 19(4): 889-93
Correlates of the leucocyte count (WBC) and its relationships to other coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors were assessed in 4981 black and white young adults. Mean WBC was higher in women than men, higher in whites than blacks, and higher in those aged 18-24 than aged 25-30 years. It also varied by season with the highest levels in the autumn. Other characteristics with persistent statistically significant direct associations with the WBC after multivariate adjustments were cigarette smoking, marijuana use, geographical location (possibly an inter-laboratory artifact), use of birth control pills, body mass index, pulse rate, and systolic blood pressure; height, physical fitness and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level were inversely associated with the WBC. The negative association of WBC with HDL-C was too small to explain the association of WBC with CHD found elsewhere. The WBC is a commonly performed clinical test; yet much remains to be learned about its variation in the general population and its value as a predictor rather than merely an indicator of disease.
GARCIA A; MUR A
Marihuana y gestacion: repercusiones sobre la gestante, el feto y el recien nacido. [Marijuana and pregnancy: impact on the pregnant woman, the fetus and the newborn infant]
Med Clin Barc. 1991 Jan 26; 96(3): 106-9
[NO ABSTRACT] marijuana and pregnancy
GAY, GEORGE R; SMITH, DAVID E
Development of Drug Patterns and Treatment Techniques in a Free Clinic
Journal of Social Issues; 1974, 30, 1, 127-142.
An overview of the evolving drug pattern in Haight-Ashbury is given, with a description of the phases of youthful drug use & what present youthful drug abusers are like. Emergency medical care procedure is presented in regard to marijuana freak-outs, LSD over abuse, amphetamines, barbiturates, scopalamine, & diacetylmorphine. A detailed 'do's & don'ts' section is given as pertains to treating pure heroin overdose as well as mixed addictions overdoses.
GELB, ADAM
Flashback: Youths Turn to '60s Drugs
Atlanta Constitution, Oct 17 1990; sec C, p 2 col 2
A survey of 45,048 students in grades six through 12 found that while fewer reported using cocaine or marijuana in 1989 than two years before, hallucinogens, inhalants, stimulants and depressants--four drugs of the psychedelic '60s--showed increased popularity; photo.
GIERINGER, DALE H
Marijuana, driving, and accident safety. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 93-101
Discusses studies on the influence of marihuana on traffic and transportation safety, including (1) laboratory studies of marihuana impairment as related to psychomotor skills, impact on driving, tolerance, and alcohol use; (2) anecdotal reports of marihuana involvement in accidents; and (3) epidemiological accident studies. It is concluded that marihuana presents a real but secondary safety risk and that alcohol is the leading drug-related accident risk factor.
GILCHRIST LD; GILLMORE MR; LOHR MJ
Drug use among pregnant adolescents.
J Consult Clin Psychol. 1990 Aug; 58(4): 402-7
Despite concern over the co-occurrence of substance use, unplanned pregnancy and other problem behaviors in adolescence, little information is available on substance use before, during, and after adolescent pregnancy. The authors report data from the first 100 Ss enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal study on drug use before and during pregnancy in adolescence. Unmarried pregnant adolescents, ages 17 and under, were recruited for the study from urban alternative school programs and community social and health service agencies. Findings indicate that although lifetime prevalence of drug use was relatively high and pregnant respondents appear embedded in drug prevalent environments, substance use declined voluntarily and substantially during pregnancy. Prepregnancy drug use predicted substance use during pregnancy, but neither best friends' nor boyfriends' use of alcohol or marijuana predicted subjects' use of these substances during pregnancy after taking prepregnancy use into account.
GILLMORE MR; CATALANO RF; MORRISON DM; WELLS EA; IRITANI B; HAWKINS JD
Racial differences in acceptability and availability of drugs and early initiation of substance use.
Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1990; 16(3-4): 185-206
This paper examines differences among three racial groups in exposure to three risk factors for drug use (availability of drugs, acceptability of drug use, and peer alcohol use), and the relationship of these factors to drug use initiation in a sample of preadolescent urban youths. Tobacco and alcohol initiation rates were highest among Whites, lower among Blacks, and lowest among Asian-Americans. Paralleling these differences, White youths reported the greatest access to marijuana, greatest parental tolerance of substance use, and greatest intentions to use drugs as adults. Blacks somewhat less, and Asian-Americans the least. No racial differences appear in the proportion who reported that their peers used alcohol. Marijuana availability and peer use predicted substance initiation for all three racial groups. However, intentions to use substances as an adult and perceived parental tolerance of substance use predicted drug use only for White and Asian-American youths, while the expectation of punishment for drug use predicted lower drug use only among Black youths. Implications for prevention are discussed.
GLASGOW AM; TYNAN D; SCHWARTZ R; HICKS JM; TUREK J; DRISCOL C; O'DONNELL RM; GET
Alcohol and drug use in teenagers with diabetes mellitus.
J Adolesc Health. 1991 Jan; 12(1): 11-4
Alcohol and drug use in adolescents with diabetes mellitus was assessed by an anonymous self-administered questionnaire with verification by urine drug screening. Approximately 50% of these adolescents report having tried alcohol and 25% report ongoing use. Almost 25% have tried drugs of abuse and 5% report ongoing use. One of 97 consecutive urine specimens was positive for marijuana. In general, the frequency of alcohol and drug use was less than expected based on other studies of different clinical groups of patients in the same age range. Patients with diabetes who reported drug use or who reported they live in an environment of substance abuse had poorer diabetes control than patients who did not.
GUINN, ROBERT
The phenomenology of marijuana use among Mexican-American youth.
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; 1977 Oct-Dec Vol 9(4) 341-343
Surveyed marihuana use among 937 Mexican-American students of Grades 9-12 in Texas. Marihuana had been used at least once by about 30% of Ss, more by males than by females. Heavy users were among the students with low school grades and higher rates of school absence. The use was related to alcohol and tobacco habits of Ss' fathers, but not to their socioeconomic status.
GURNEE CG; VIGIL DE; KRILL SMITH S; CROWLEY TJ
Substance abuse among American Indians in an urban treatment program.
Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 1990; 3(3): 17-26
Chart reviews were used to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of 68 urban American Indian people attending an Indian-oriented outpatient substance-abuse treatment program in Denver, Colorado, and to describe program staff's assessment of client's response to treatment. Alcohol and marijuana were the drugs abused most frequently. The program admitted about equal numbers of males and females; age averaged 24 years. Although Colorado has only Ute reservations, 49% of clients were Sioux, while none were Ute. Moreover, 87% of clients were not active in Indian religion and culture. Clients had low educational achievement and very low income. Few were in stable marriages. In comparison to counselors, clients underestimated the severity of their problems. By counselors' assessment, 78% of clients did not finish the program, and only two fully achieved the treatment goals. Areas for further clinical research are suggested.
HADAWAY, C KIRK; ELIFSON, KIRK W; PETERSEN, DAVID M
Religious Involvement and Drug Use among Urban Adolescents
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion; 1984, 23, 2, June, 109-128.
Drug use by adolescents is a widespread phenomenon in United States society that has generated considerable research since 1960. Some of this research has found that religious involvement has a negative effect on the tendency to use alcohol, marijuana, & other illicit drugs, but the complexity of the relationship has been largely ignored. Interview data from 600 adolescents in Atlanta, Ga, are used to examine the relationship between religious involvement & drug/alcohol use, with multivariate analysis determining the role of religion against other mechanisms of social control. Findings indicate that, even when controlling for other important influences, religion still has a significant effect on drug use, but the significance varies according to the substance involved, reflecting the degree to which the church speaks alone against the activity or in concert with other sources of social control.
HANLON TE; NURCO DN; KINLOCK TW; DUSZYNSKI KR
Trends in criminal activity and drug use over an addiction career.
Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1990; 16(3-4): 223-38
The present study, involving 132 narcotic addicts with multiple periods of addiction, examines trends in criminal activity and drug use over successive periods of addiction and successive periods of nonaddiction during an average 15-year addiction career. Significant decreases over successive addiction periods were found for four (of five) categories of crime: theft, violence, drug distribution, and 'other' crime (primarily gambling). These results appear to be accounted for by a disproportionately high level of crime during the first addiction period. Criminal activity, most notably theft and violence, decreased over successive periods of nonaddiction, though not significantly. Although more evidence is needed, a particularly large addiction vs nonaddiction disparity in crime rates for Hispanic addicts revealing a low propensity for crime when not addicted suggests that crime reduction may be a reasonable objective in the treatment of these individuals. With regard to drug use over the addiction career, the most dramatic increases over time were found for illicit methadone and cocaine. Rates of heroin and marijuana use declined. Generally, nonnarcotic drug use, other than use of cocaine and Valium, tended to decrease progressively over time regardless of addiction status. These results, along with findings relevant to the 'maturing out of addiction,' are discussed.
HEISHMAN SJ; HUESTIS MA; HENNINGFIELD JE; CONE EJ
Acute and residual effects of marijuana: profiles of plasma THC levels, physiological, subjective, and performance measures.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1990 Nov; 37(3): 561-5
Three experienced marijuana smokers participated in four 2-day experimental sessions in which they smoked either 0, 1, or 2 marijuana cigarettes containing 2.57% delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at two different times on the first day. A battery of physiological, subjective, and performance measures was repeated throughout day 1 to assess acute effects and on day 2 to measure any residual effects of marijuana. Blood samples were also repeatedly collected to examine the relationship between plasma levels and pharmacological effects of THC. Acutely, marijuana increased heart rate and subjective ratings of drug effects and slightly impaired performance on a circular lights task in all subjects. Performance was also impaired (decreased accuracy and increased response time) on serial addition/subtraction and digit recall tasks on day 1 in two subjects. On day 2, tachycardia and subjective effects of marijuana were not observed. Performance remained impaired on the arithmetic and recall tasks on day 2, although the decrements were not as large as those observed on day 1. In general, plasma THC levels covaried with the other measures. These preliminary results suggest that marijuana can adversely affect complex human performance up to 24 hours after smoking.
Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy: The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Jack Herer. 1990. edition designed and edited by Chris Conrad. $12.95.
HIRSCH, MICHAEL L; CONFORTI, RANDALL W; GRANEY, CAROLYN J
The Use of Marijuana for Pleasure: A Replication of Howard S. Becker's Study of Marijuana Use
Journal of Social Behavior and Personality; 1990, 5, 4, 497-510.
A replication of Howard S. Becker's classic 1953 research on marijuana use & marijuana users (see SA 2:3/54564). Interviews conducted with 50 marijuana users selected from 2 municipal areas in Wisc using a snowball sampling method yield results that are generally consistent with those of Becker, though several areas in need of reexamination or extension are noted, particularly, analysis of reactions people have to their initial use of the drug & the career patterns of drug use. A revised model is proposed.
HOPS H; TILDESLEY E; LICHTENSTEIN E; ARY D; SHERMAN L
Parent-adolescent problem-solving interactions and drug use.
Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1990; 16(3-4): 239-58
This study reports on the social problem-solving interactions of young adolescents in single-parent and intact families on substance-specific and nonsubstance-related issues. Although research has shown the impact of families on adolescent substance use, all of the previous results have been based on questionnaire or interview data. A sample of 128 families was selected from a larger sample of 763 within a longitudinal study of adolescent substance use. Parent(s) and one adolescent, aged 11-15, participated in interactions which were videotaped for later coding. In three standard scenarios, the families discussed fictional assignments from a health class teacher about the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. In addition, they discussed an issue salient to them that was the source of recent conflict. Results showed that aversive affective behavior was more likely to be displayed by substance-using adolescents, whether or not the issue was drug-related. Mothers' and fathers' alcohol use was also shown to contribute to alcohol and cigarette use among their children, while fathers' smoking contributed to marijuana and hard drug use. These data suggest that such families may not be skilled at resolving issues and coping with life's difficulties whether or not they are drug-related.
HUMPHREY, JOHN A; LESLIE, PAUL; BRITTAIN, JEAN
Religious Participation, Southern University Women, and Abstinence
Deviant Behavior; 1989, 10, 2, 145-155.
Analyses of the influence of religion on deviant behavior have produced conflicting results. Religious participation has been found to inhibit individual deviance in: (1) religious, normatively clear environments; & (2) secular, normatively ambiguous contexts. It is argued that publicly supported universities are secular environments characterized by normative ambiguity with regard to alcohol & other drug use. Questionnaire data obtained from 1,097 black & white female undergraduates enrolled in 2 state-supported schools show that southern university women who attend religious services regularly are significantly more likely to abstain & less likely to be dual users of intoxicants than are occasional religious participants. Racial differences in the effect of religious observance on drinking & marijuana use are also found.
JOHNSON CA; PENTZ MA; WEBER MD; DWYER JH; BAER N; MACKINNON DP; HANSEN WB; FLAY
Relative effectiveness of comprehensive community programming for drug abuse prevention with high-risk and low-risk adolescents.
J Consult Clin Psychol. 1990 Aug; 58(4): 447-56
This article reviews major risk factors for cigarette smoking, alcohol, and other drug abuse and promising community-based approaches to primary prevention. In a longitudinal experimental study, 8 representative Kansas City communities were assigned randomly to program (school, parent, mass media, and community organization) and control (mass media and community organization only) conditions. Programs were delivered at either 6th or 7th grade, and panels were followed through Grade 9 or 10. The primary findings were (a) significant reductions at 3 years in tobacco and marijuana use and (b) equivalent reductions for youth at different levels of risk. This study provides evidence that a comprehensive community program-based approach can prevent the onset of substance abuse and that the benefits are experienced equally by youth at high and low risk.
JOHNSON V; PANDINA RJ
Effects of the family environment on adolescent substance use, delinquency, and coping styles.
Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1991; 17(1): 71-88
This study examines the overall and relative contributions of a variety of family environment measures to a child's alcohol, marijuana and other drug use, delinquent activity, and dysfunctional methods of coping with problems. The family environment variables tapped aspects of parental behaviors and attitudes, parenting styles, and family harmony and cohesion. Data were collected as part of a prospective, longitudinal study that examined the acquisition and maintenance of a variety of behaviors. Data were gleaned at two points in time, spanning 3-year intervals, from subjects ranging in age from early to late adolescence. In general, alcohol use among the younger subjects was more strongly determined by the use and attitudes of the same sex parent. In contrast, among older subjects, father's alcohol use was important to the offspring's use. While models predicting illicit drug use and the extent of problems related to alcohol and marijuana use fared least well, it was generally found that hostility and lack of warmth on the part of the parents contributed most to these outcomes in subjects. Finally, hostility displayed by both parents helped to determine the incidence of delinquency among sons and the use of dysfunctional coping methods among sons and daughters.
JOHNSTON, LLOYD D; AND OTHERS
Drug Use among American High School Students, College Students, and Other Young Adults. National Trends Through 1985.
Journal of Chemical Education; v62 n4 p328-31 Apr 1985
Drug use and related attitudes of U.S. high school seniors from the graduating classes of 1975-1985 and young adults in their late teens and early- to mid-twenties were studied, as part of an ongoing research project. Eleven classes of drugs were assessed: marijuana (including hashish), inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, other natural and synthetic opiates, stimulants (amphetamines), sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, and cigarettes. Several subclasses of drugs were also covered: PCP and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), amyl and butyl nitrites, and barbiturates and methaqualone. Attention was focused on drug use at the higher frequency levels rather than whether respondents had ever used various drugs. Of concern were: age of first use; the seniors' own attitudes and beliefs; and the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of others in the seniors' social environment, including perceived drug availability. The use of non-prescription stimulants, including diet pills, stay-awake pills, and pseudo-amphetamines were also reported, along with cocaine use among young people. Findings include sex differences in drug use, differences related to college plans, regional differences, and differences related to population density. The implications of findings for prevention efforts were addressed. (SW)
JOHNSTON, LLOYD D; AND OTHERS
Use of Licit and Illicit Drugs by America's High School Students, 1975-1984.
Journal of Chemical Education; v62 n4 p328-31 Apr 1985
Two of the major topics treated in this report are the current prevalence of drug use among American high school seniors, and trends in use since 1975. Also reported are data on school grade of first use, trends in use at earlier grade levels, intensity of drug use, attitudes and beliefs among seniors concerning various types of drug use, and their perceptions of certain relevant aspects of the social environment. The eleven separate classes of drugs distinguished are marijuana (including hashish), inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, natural and synthetic opiates other than heroin, stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, and cigarettes. Separate statistics are also presented here for several sub-classes of drugs: PCP and LSD, barbiturates and methaqualone, and amyl and butyl nitrites. Occasions of medically supervised use of the psychotherapeutic drugs were excluded. Attention was focused on high frequency levels of drug use and an indirect measure of dosage per occasion was introduced to differentiate levels of drug use. The 'Other Findings' section includes data on the use of non-prescription stimulants, daily marijuana use, effects of post high school environments and role transitions on drug use, and the issue of distinguishing maturational change from period effects and class cohort differences. Findings are supported by numerous tables. (Author/MCK)
KELLER SE; BARTLETT JA; SCHLEIFER SJ; JOHNSON RL; PINNER E; DELANEY B
HIV-relevant sexual behavior among a healthy inner-city heterosexual adolescent population in an endemic area of HIV.
J Adolesc Health. 1991 Jan; 12(1): 44-8
The AIDS crisis has devastated segments of the population including the gay community and those who use intravenous drugs. HIV has spread to other groups including prostitutes and those with other sexually transmitted diseases. We have been studying adolescents in a major Northeast city where there is a major HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite high levels of AIDS related knowledge, these adolescents reported high levels of sex risk behaviors. In addition, our data suggests that even moderate alcohol or marijuana use predicts high risk sexual behaviors. These data indicate the urgent need to develop prevention strategies for the spread of HIV among inner-city youth based upon relevant predictors of risk behaviors. The coupling of HIV in inner-city populations with a high frequency of risk behaviors in adolescents demands an immediate public health response.
KELLY TH; FOLTIN RW; EMURIAN CS; FISCHMAN MW
Multidimensional behavioral effects of marijuana.
Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1990; 14(6): 885-902
1. Five groups of three healthy adult male volunteers (n = 15), all reporting occasional, controlled marijuana use, gave written consent and participated in residential studies lasting 6 to 15 days. 2. Subjects smoked marijuana cigarettes (0, 1.3, 2.3 or 2.7% THC, w/w) at 0945, 1330, 1700 and 2030 every day, and each subject received both active and placebo marijuana cigarettes in 2-5 consecutive day phases, with placebo and active doses presented in an alternating fashion. 3. In comparison with placebo, active marijuana produced a variety of effects on measures of human behavior, including increases in food consumption and errors on psychomotor tasks, decreases in bouts of tobacco-cigarette smoking and verbal interactions and no changes in rates of task performance, time spent under social conditions or social cooperation. 4. Dimensions of human behavior were differentially sensitive to the effects of smoked marijuana. 5. The simultaneous measurement of multiple dimensions of human behavior is a useful procedure for determining dose potency following marijuana administration.
KEYES, SUSAN; BLOCK, JACK
Prevalence and Patterns of Substance Use among Early Adolescents
Journal of Youth and Adolescence; 1984, 13, 1, Feb, 1-14.
A description of the prevalence & patterns of substance use of San Francisco (Calif) East Bay adolescents, based on data gathered from interviews of a sample of 54 females & 51 males aged 14. Data are compared with national statistics on high school seniors. While alcohol use appeared to be comparable to the national statistics, tobacco use was less prevalent among this younger, western sample. Despite the difference in ages, use of marijuana, cocaine, & hallucinogens was similar to national high school prevalence, though use of other 'harder' drugs was more extensive among the older, national sample. Contrary to typical findings, males & females were not found to differ in frequency or extent of substance use. If anything, females appeared somewhat more involved in substance use at this early age. Initiation of substance use occurred at early grade levels, suggesting that intervention efforts should begin prior to junior high, perhaps as early as fourth or fifth grade.
KLEIN TW; KAWAKAMI Y; NEWTON C; FRIEDMAN H
Marijuana components suppress induction and cytolytic function of murine cytotoxic T cells in vitro and in vivo.
J Toxicol Environ Health. 1991 Apr; 32(4): 465-77
Killer lymphocytes play a major role in host defense against tumors and infectious diseases. Previously, we reported that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and II-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (II-hydroxy-THC) suppressed the cytolytic activity of cultured natural killer (NK) cells. Also, we showed that the drugs appeared to be affecting a stage in the killing process subsequent to the binding of the killer cell to the target cell. In the present report, we have extended these studies to an examination of the effect of cannabinoids on the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The cytolytic activity of CTLs generated by cocultivation with either allospecific stimulators or TNP-modified-self stimulators were suppressed by both THC and II-hydroxy-THC treatment. Allospecific CTLs generated in vivo were also inhibited by an in vitro exposure to either THC or II-hydroxy-THC, and the sensitivity of these cells to drug effects appeared to be greater than the sensitivity of the in vitro generated CTLs. Suppression of cytolytic function by THC and II-hydroxy-THC was maximal after a 4-h drug treatment, suggesting that the drug effects were inducible and therefore required a finite period of time to develop maximally. As seen in previous studies involving NK cells, drug treatment of mature CTLs appears to have little effect on the binding capacity of these cells for the target. However, the maximal killing capacity of the cells and the frequency of CTLs were significantly reduced by drug treatment. In addition to suppressing the cytolytic activity of mature effector CTLs, we also show that drug treatment inhibits both the proliferation of lymphocytes responding to an allogeneic stimulus and the maturation of these lymphocytes to mature CTLs. Similarly, CTL activity developing in vivo could be inhibited by THC injection. These results suggest that CTLs are inhibited by cannabinoids by at least two mechanisms. First, the cytolytic activity of mature killers is suppressed at some point beyond the binding to the target cell. Second, the cannabinoids appear to suppress the normal development of these mature effector cells from less mature precursor cells.
LABOUVIE EW
Personality and alcohol and marijuana use: patterns of convergence in young adulthood.
Int J Addict. 1990 Mar; 25(3): 237-52
This study looks at similarities and differences between users of alcohol only and users of both alcohol and marijuana ranging in age from 18 to 24. Assessment of use included measures of use intensity, use context, use functions, and use problems. Personality variables included measures of temperamental/affective tendencies, evaluative appraisals of self, and stress associated with negative appraisals of one's self and one's environment. The two strongest patterns of convergence were found to be similar across groups and to be consistent with mean differences between both groups. It is concluded that the two patterns characterize different segments of the population of users.
LANGER, JOHN
'Dealing' Culture: The Rationalization of the 'Hang-Loose' Ethic
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Sociology; 1976, 12, 2, Jun, 82-90.
The individual engaged in the distribution of psychedelic drugs on a regular basis is usually described as a `dealer'. Focus is on dealers at the middle level of the drug distribution hierarchy in an attempt to discuss the apparent changes in selling psychedelics, particularly marijuana & hashish, over the past 10 years. Weber's thesis on rationalization is used to examine the emergence of a coherent set of understandings that drug sellers share in common & employ to manage & evaluate their practical entrepreneurial affairs, & locate their identity within the drug scene. This `dealing culture' was found to contain a number of significant properties including a complex of techniques required to operate a successful business, criteria for judging professional conduct, a self-consciously paranoid world-view & an ideology created to maintain the moral validity of the dealer's work.
LEIKIN JB; KRANTZ AJ; ZELL-KANTER M; BARKIN RL; HRYHORCZUK DO
Clinical features and management of intoxication due to hallucinogenicdrugs.
Med Toxicol Adverse Drug Exp. 1989 Sep-Oct. 4(5). P 324-50.
Hallucinogenic drugs are unique in that they produce the desired hallucinogenic effects at what are considered non-toxic doses. The hallucinogenic drugs can be categorised into 4 basic groups: indole alkaloid derivatives, piperidine derivatives, phenylethylamines and the cannabinols. The drugs reviewed include lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD), phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, marijuana, psilocybin, mescaline, and 'designer drugs.' Particularly noteworthy is that each hallucinogen produces characteristic behavioural effects which are related to its serotonergic, dopaminergic or adrenergic activity. Cocaine produces simple hallucinations, PCP can produce complex hallucinations analogous to a paranoid psychosis, while LSD produces a combination of hallucinations, pseudohallucinations and illusions. Dose relationships with changes in the quality of the hallucinatory experience have been described with amphetamines and, to some extent, LSD. Flashbacks have been described with LSD and alcohol. Management of the intoxicated patient is dependent on the specific behavioural manifestation elicited by the drug. The principles involve [] differentiating the patient's symptoms from organic (medical or toxicological) and psychiatric aetiologies and identifying the symptom complex associated with the particular drug. Panic reactions may require treatment with a benzodiazepine or haloperidol. Patients with LSD psychosis may require an antipsychotic. Patients exhibiting prolonged drug-induced psychosis may require a variety of treatments including ECT, lithium and l-5-hydroxytryptophan. Refs: 233.
LEIRER VO; YESAVAGE JA; MORROW DG
Marijuana carry-over effects on aircraft pilot performance.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1991 Mar; 62(3): 221-7
This study finds evidence for 24-h carry-over effects of a moderate social dose of marijuana on a piloting task. In separate sessions, nine currently active pilots smoked one cigarette containing 20 mg of delta 9 THC and one Placebo cigarette. Using an aircraft simulator, pilots flew just before smoking, and 0.25, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after smoking. Marijuana impaired performance at 0.25, 4, 8, and 24 h after smoking. While seven of the nine pilots showed some degree of impairment at 24 h after smoking, only one reported any awareness of the drug's effects. The results support our preliminary study and suggest that very complex human/machine performance can be impaired as long as 24 h after smoking a moderate social dose of marijuana, and that the user may be unaware of the drug's influence.
LEVY JA; HEPPNER GH
Immunosuppression by marihuana and its cannabinoid constituents.
J Immunopharmacol. 1980; 2(2): 159-77
[NO ABSTRACT] Marijuana and immunosupression.
LEVY SJ; PIERCE JP
Predictors of marijuana use and uptake among teenagers in Sydney, Australia.
Int J Addict. 1990 Oct; 25(10): 1179-93
Information on drug-related behaviors was obtained from a random sample of teenagers aged 14 to 19 years in Sydney, Australia, interviewed in their homes in 1985 (N = 996) and 1986 (N = 756). The 1985 prevalence of current marijuana use was 10%. The predictors of marijuana use were: male sex; heavier, more frequent alcohol use; use of drugs other than alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana; marijuana use by siblings, friends, and other acquaintances; attitudes and beliefs favoring drug use; the attitude that possession of marijuana should not be a criminal offense; and the attitude that marijuana is not an important drug issue. In the 756 reinterviewed respondents, prevalence of marijuana use rose from 7% in 1985 to 9% in 1986. The rate of uptake was 6% and peaked at 12% at age 17. The predictors of uptake were: age; male sex; heavier, more frequent alcohol use; tobacco smoking; attitudes and beliefs favoring drugs use; and the attitude that marijuana smoking should be legal. Strategies to prevent marijuana use need to take into account the strong association between heavy drinking and marijuana use, the influence of drug users in the social network, and attitudes and beliefs about drugs.
LINN LS; YAGER J; LEAKE B
Physicians' attitudes toward substance abuse and drug testing.
Int J Addict. 1990 Apr; 25(4): 427-44
Responding to a survey, 303 physicians provided opinions about permissibility of substance use among eight occupational groups, appropriateness of drug-screening programs by employers, and the role of physicians in managing substance abuse problems. The majority felt that neither drugs nor alcohol should be used at lunch by any individuals, but that alcohol and to some degree marijuana use was permissible after work or on weekends. Physicians could not agree about reliability or use of drug-testing programs. However, most believed that employee drug screening was more appropriate after evidence of poor job performance rather than screening all employees or applicants.
LSD, Marijuana, Yoga, and Hypnosis. Theodore Xenophon Barber. Aldine Publishing Co. Chicago. 1970. Part A: Psychedelic Drugs and Cannabis Derivatives, pages 1-111. (photocopy velobound in anthology "Psychedelics in Society Volume Two"). [box v3]
LUTSKY I; ABRAM SE; JACOBSON GR; HOPWOOD M; KAMPINE JP
Substance abuse by anesthesiology residents.
Acad Med. 1991 Mar; 66(3): 164-6
A 1989 cross-sectional substance abuse survey of 260 former anesthesiology residents of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) during the previous 30 years yielded 183 responses (70.3%). Over three-fourths (77.2%) of those who responded reported that they had used alcohol when they were residents; 20.0% had used marijuana; and 15.7% had used cocaine. Forty-three of the 178 respondents had used unprescribed psychoactive drugs. Twenty-nine (15.8%) had been self-admitted problematic substance abusers during their residencies: 23, alcohol dependent and six, drug dependent; among the latter were four with a dual (alcohol and drug) dependency. More than 85% considered the drug policy information available during their residencies had been inadequate; institutional drug-control policies were rated 'fair-to-poor' by more than 70%. Thirty-five of the residents had observed their teachers using alcohol and/or other drugs to the detriment of their teaching; approximately one-third of these infractions had gone unreported.
MACDONALD, PATRICK T
The 'Dope' on Soaps
Journal of Drug Education; 1983, 13, 4, 359-369.
Entertainment television has recently been at the center of a raging controversy concerning its effects on the viewer; however, analyses have focused on prime time television. Thus, while the intimate details of nighttime drug use are known, there has been no investigation of daytime drug taking. Interview data from a sample of long-time soap opera viewers (number of cases = 165) are used to examine the context, motives, & consequences of drug use in the daytime serials via in-depth analysis of reported portrayals of 8 drug categories-alcohol, tobacco, tranquilizers, amphetamines, marijuana, LSD, cocaine, & heroin. Potential effects of these television portrayals on public drug awareness & implications for education efforts are explored.
MACGREGOR SN; SCIARRA JC; KEITH L; SCIARRA JJ
Prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy. A pilot study.
J Reprod Med. 1990 Dec; 35(12): 1147-9
We examined the prevalence of marijuana use in a group of pregnant women using a qualitative, rapid urine screen to detect marijuana metabolites. Between July 1, 1987, and Aug 15, 1987, 322 consecutive patients underwent an anonymous urine toxicology screen at the time of admission to the labor-and-delivery unit. Patients were identified only by a consecutive number and by their age, race, marital status, gravidity, parity and obstetric service (clinic vs. private). The prevalence of positive urine toxicologic screens for marijuana was 19.9% among the study population (64 positive tests among 322 women screened). The prevalence was greater among the clinic patients than the private patients (52 of 161, or 32.3%, vs. 12 of 161, or 7.5%, respectively). The distribution of race and marital status among the marijuana-positive and -negative groups were also significantly different. Specifically, the proportions of black and single women were higher among the marijuana-positive group. Our findings suggest that marijuana use is common in our obstetric patients. The possible association between marijuana use during pregnancy and perinatal morbidity, as well as the unreliable nature of patient drug histories, may support the use of rapid, inexpensive screening techniques, especially if general screening is considered.
MARCOS, ANASTASIOS C; JOHNSON, RICHARD E
Cultural Patterns and Causal Processes in Adolescent Drug Use: The Case of Greeks versus Americans
International Journal of the Addictions; 1988, 23, 6, 545-572.
Questionnaire data collected in 1984/85 are used to compare patterns of drug use among Greek & US adolescents (N = 174 & 2,610, respectively). The rates of self-reported lifetime alcohol & cigarette use are rather similar. Other drugs (marijuana, amphetamines, depressants, cocaine, LSD, PCP, & heroin) were used much more frequently in the US. A causal model employing variables from social control & social learning theories is applied to drug use in both samples. It is concluded that US theories of adolescent deviance assume certain cultural conditions, & therefore may need revision before they can be fruitfully applied to the behavior of young people in other cultures.
Marijuana Botany: An Advanced Study: The Propagation and Breeding of Dsitinctive Cannabis. Robert Connell Clarke. An/Or Press. Berkeley, CA. 1981. paperback. 198 pages. one of the best books on its topic. [box 2m]
MATHEW RJ; WILSON WH
Substance abuse and cerebral blood flow.
Am J Psychiatry. 1991 Mar; 148(3): 292-305
OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: This paper reviews acute and chronic effects of drugs of abuse on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism and their clinical significance. The most important source of information for the review is human research reports published in refereed journals. A few animal studies, book chapters, and abstracts that are especially relevant are also included. RESULTS: In humans, ethanol in small doses produces cerebral vasodilation; higher doses induce cerebral vasoconstriction. Chronic alcoholism is associated with reduced CBF and cerebral metabolism. Sedatives and antianxiety drugs lead to global reduction in CBF and cerebral metabolism. Caffeine, even in small doses, is a potent cerebral vasoconstrictor. Cerebral vasodilation is seen immediately after cigarette smoking, but chronic smokers show global reduction in CBF. Changes in CBF after marijuana smoking are variable; both increases and decreases are seen. Chronic marijuana smoking, however, seems to reduce CBF. Most inhalants and solvents are vasodilators; chronic abuse is accompanied by a decrease in CBF. A number of drugs of abuse, including ethanol, amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, and caffeine-phenylpropanolamine combinations, increase the risk for stroke. Reduction in CBF associated with chronic use of ethanol, nicotine, inhalants, and solvents is at least partially reversible upon abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: Topics for future research include regional brain function, which mediates drug-induced mood changes (euphoria); CBF concomitants of psychological and physiological characteristics that increase addiction potential; changes in CBF that accompany withdrawal syndromes; mechanisms responsible for drug-induced stroke; and effects of functional and organic complications on CBF.
MATHRE, MARY L
A survey on disclosure of marijuana use to health care professionals. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 117-120
Surveyed 898 members (aged 14-73 yrs) of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws to determine their willingness to share information about their marihuana use (MU) with physicians or nurses. Findings reveal that only 17% of Ss had been questioned about their MU by a physician during their last health care visit. Ss stated that they generally would not volunteer information about MU. Most Ss (59%) indicated that they would admit to MU if asked. It is concluded that most users are not being asked about MU by health care professionals.
MAYNARD EC; AMORUSO LP; OH W
Meconium for drug testing.
Am J Dis Child. 1991 Jun; 145(6): 650-2
Samples of meconium from 28 neonates born to women suspected of drug abuse were tested for drugs of abuse (ie, cocaine, morphine, codeine, and marijuana). In each case, testing of urine from the mother, the newborn, or both had been ordered by the attending physician because of suspected maternal drug abuse. Seventeen (61%) of 28 meconium samples tested positive; 28 (60%) of 47 urine samples were positive. Meconium test results were concordant with the results of maternal or newborn urine testing in 24 (86%) of the 28 cases. In three cases, meconium was positive for cocaine when newborn urine was negative; in one case, meconium was negative when maternal urine was positive for cocaine. Compared with the combination of maternal and newborn urine testing, meconium testing had an 82% positive predictive value (14/17) and a 91% negative predictive value (10/11). Collection of meconium is simpler and more reliable than collection of urine, and testing of meconium was easily incorporated into routine procedures at a busy commercial laboratory. Meconium is a useful sample for drug detection in newborns.
MCCALLA S; MINKOFF HL; FELDMAN J; DELKE I; SALWIN M; VALENCIA G; GLASS L
The biologic and social consequences of perinatal cocaine use in an inner-city population: results of an anonymous cross-sectional study.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1991 Feb; 164(2): 625-30
Cocaine use among pregnant women and reports of its adverse perinatal consequences have increased substantially over the past 10 years. However, most researchers have studied patients registered at drug treatment centers or have relied on voluntary participation by patients, either of which introduces the possibility of selection bias. To determine the frequency and consequences of prenatal cocaine use among an unselected inner-city obstetric population, we collected urine samples from parturient women at a municipal hospital and anonymously tested these specimens for metabolites of cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and methadone. Urine specimens, with linked obstetric data sheets, were available from a study population of 1111 patients, and pediatric data sheets were available for 846 mother-infant pairs. Cocaine metabolites were found in 11.5% of the urine samples collected, whereas metabolites of marijuana, opiates, and methadone, respectively, were present in 1.1%, 1.2%, and 0.3% of the specimens. Cocaine users were more likely than nonusers to have had no prenatal care (51% vs 8.8%; p less than 0.0001), to be American-born rather than Caribbean-born (71% vs 33%; p less than 0.001), and to have a higher parity (1.83 vs 1.14; p less than 0.0001). Infants of cocaine users had a lower mean gestational age (-0.93 weeks; p less than 0.01), a lower mean birth weight (2560 +/- 788 vs 3151 +/- 699 gm; p less than 0.001), and an increased probability of having an Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 minutes (12.5% vs 3.2%; p less than 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis that isolated confounding variables such as the presence or absence of prenatal care, maternal age and parity, and the use of cigarettes and alcohol did not substantially affect the differences described above. The effect of cigarette smoking on reducing fetal size was cumulative. In conclusion, cocaine is the most commonly used illicit drug among parturients in this community and is strongly associated with underutilization of prenatal care services. Infants of cocaine users are more likely to be preterm and depressed at birth and to have a low birth weight. Cocaine use, through the above-noted effects, increases the need for prenatal care while simultaneously decreasing the likelihood that it will be obtained.
MEILMAN PW; GAYLOR MS; TURCO JH; STONE JE
Drug use among college undergraduates: current use and 10-year trends.
Int J Addict. 1990 Sep; 25(9): 1025-36
A random sample of 10% of the undergraduate student body at a rural New England university were surveyed as to their use of drugs in 1987. Over 87% of the surveyed students returned questionnaires. Results indicated that alcohol is clearly the 'drug of choice' on the campus, and the second most used drug is marijuana. The 1987 survey findings were also compared to similar studies conducted on the campus in 1977 and 1983. Over the decade there has been a decrease in daily, weekly, and monthly use of marijuana. Cocaine use was greatest in the 1983 survey, but the 1987 figures were still somewhat higher than those of 1977. Hallucinogen use has remained low across all three observation points. Students indicating they had substance-dependent parents showed more use of cocaine, 'ecstasy,' and sedative-hypnotic drugs than their fellow students.
MEILMAN PW; GAYLOR MS; TURCO JH; STONE JE
Drug use among college undergraduates: current use and 10-year trends.
Int J Addict. 1990 Sep; 25(9): 1025-36
A random sample of 10% of the undergraduate student body at a rural New England university were surveyed as to their use of drugs in 1987. Over 87% of the surveyed students returned questionnaires. Results indicated that alcohol is clearly the 'drug of choice' on the campus, and the second most used drug is marijuana. The 1987 survey findings were also compared to similar studies conducted on the campus in 1977 and 1983. Over the decade there has been a decrease in daily, weekly, and monthly use of marijuana. Cocaine use was greatest in the 1983 survey, but the 1987 figures were still somewhat higher than those of 1977. Hallucinogen use has remained low across all three observation points. Students indicating they had substance-dependent parents showed more use of cocaine, 'ecstasy,' and sedative-hypnotic drugs than their fellow students.
MILLER NS; KLAHR AL; GOLD MS; SWEENEY K; COCORES JA
The prevalence of marijuana (cannabis) use and dependence in cocaine dependence.
N Y State J Med. 1990 Oct; 90(10): 491-2
In a retrospective and prospective study using DSM-III-R criteria for substance dependence in 232 inpatients and 51 outpatients, the clinical suspicion that cocaine addicts use other drugs including marijuana was confirmed. As many as 53% of cocaine addicts diagnosed by DSM-III-R criteria for cocaine dependence qualified for a diagnosis of cannabis dependence. The reports regarding marijuana and other drug dependence among cocaine addicts have been few and inconclusive. The diagnosis of other drug use and dependence in cocaine dependence has importance with regard to prognosis and treatment. This study found a high prevalence of marijuana (cannabis) dependence in patients with cocaine dependence.
MILMAN DH
Developmental outcome, at age 3 and 4 years, of children exposed in utero to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana [letter]
J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1990 Aug; 11(4): 228
[NO ABSTRACT] tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and pregnancy
MINDER, CAROLYN; AND OTHERS
A Comparison of High School and College Student Attitudes toward Recreationally-Used Drugs.
American Mental Health Counselors Association Journal; v2 n1 p38-45 Jan 1980
Research has shown that drug use tends to increase during the college years, implying that college students have a more favorable view of drug use than high school students. To compare the attitudes of high school (N=367) and college students (N=260) toward nine recreationally used drugs, a semantic differential technique was used. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for attitudes toward LSD, heroin, opium, and amphetamines, with high school students taking a more favorable attitude toward these drugs than college students. This finding is not in agreement with previous research and may reflect immaturity and lack of experience in the high school students. The fact that no significant differences were found for the most commonly used drugs, i.e., alcohol and marijuana, may reflect societal views regarding social acceptability, and the wide acceptance of marijuana and alcohol use among diverse segments of society. Another factor which may be involved is the increasingly frequent use of these drugs by young people. (AC)
MORENO, STEVE
[Parenting Information: Drugs. Informacion Para los Padres: Sobre las Drojas.]
American Mental Health Counselors Association Journal; v2 n1 p38-45 Jan 1980
These two booklets provide basic information about drugs and drug abuse and are part of a series of 22 booklets, designed specifically to help parents understand their children and help them to learn. 'Let's Talk about Drug Abuse,' (booklet #18), reviews foreign substances or drugs young people are often exposed to (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, hallucinogens, PCP, and cocaine) and describes how their usage can affect one's future. 'Parents--Learn about Drugs' (booklet #5), specifies the various kinds of drugs (i.e., glue, pills, marijuana, LSD, and heroin) and pinpoints their potential damage to the body and to the mind. The booklets are written with the same text in both English and Spanish, are easy to read, and include illustrations. (MP)
NDOSI, N.K.
Cannabis and its health-damaging effects
The Dar es Salaam Medical Journal, v 10(2) pp. 10-12 ( 1993), Niger
CANNABIS / CANNABINOIDS / MARIJUANA ABUSE / MARIJUANA SMOKING / SUBSTANCE ABUSE / HEALTH PROMOTION / ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR
Cannabis is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. Bhang or marijuana might be the cheapest and most readily available form of cannabis abused mainly by adolescents and young adults in Tanzania, but concrete data is lacking. Some of the drug abusers are mentally unstable individuals who lack self criticism and adequate self restraint. When bhang is smoked, cannabinoids are readily absorbed from the lung and bound by the grey matter of the brain. Cannabinoids are psychoactive ingredients which cause complex behavioural changes with stimulant and depressed properties. This article therefore, aims at raising more awareness concerning the health-damaging consequences of bhang abuse. . African Index Medicus
NELSEN, HART M; ROONEY, JAMES F
Fire and Brimstone, Lager and Pot: Religious Involvement and Substance Use
Sociological Analysis; 1982, 43, 3, fall, 247-255.
Questionnaire data from nearly 5,000 high school seniors from 6 states in the northeastern region of the United States are analyzed using religious preference & attendance to predict substance use (hard liquor, beer, marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, heroin, LSD, & cocaine). It was hypothesized that: (1) denomination & attendance would be significantly related to alcohol use & that an interaction would occur between these 2 predictors, (2) church attendance would have special impact within proscriptive denominations, & (3) for harder drugs, church attendance would be inversely related with use. Analysis-of-variance & multiple-classification analysis were employed. Weekly use & having ever used the substance were tested for alcohol & marijuana, & having ever used the substance, for hard drugs. The data support the hypotheses.
PAGE, J BRYAN; FLETCHER, JACK M; TRUE, WILLIAM R
Psychosociocultural perspectives on chronic cannabis use: The Costa Rican follow-up. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 57-65
Conducted a 4-yr follow-up of Costa Rican marihuana users and matched nonusers previously studied by W. E. Carter et al (1980). 57 of 82 Ss were available at follow-up. They completed a test battery including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS); measures of lateralized motor and tactile performance, learning and memory, sustained attention and concentration, and speeded motor planning; the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF); and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Results indicate that users were slower in processing and on self-paced measures requiring sustained attention than nonusers. Anthropological findings are discussed with reference to cognitive function testing.
PEREZ REYES M
Marijuana smoking: factors that influence the bioavailability of tetrahydrocannabinol.
NIDA Res Monogr. 1990; 99: 42-62
[NO ABSTRACT] marijuana THC
PETERS H; THEORELL CJ
Fetal and neonatal effects of maternal cocaine use.
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1991 Mar Apr; 20(2): 121-6
Marijuana was the drug of the 1960s and heroin the drug of the 1970s. Cocaine was the popular drug of the 1980s, and cocaine's popularity appears to have continued into the 1990s. Cocaine use increased dramatically between 1974 and 1985. This article reviews the trends of cocaine use, fetal and maternal pharmacodynamics of cocaine, intrauterine effects of cocaine on the fetus, and the neonatal manifestations of cocaine exposure.
Primavera, Louis H; Pascal, Robert
A comparison of male users and nonusers of marijuana on the perceived harmfulness of drugs.
American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse; 1986 Mar-Jun Vol 12(1-2) 71-77
Examined the perceptions of nonprofessionals (i.e., not involved in drug research or treatment programs) with regard to the harmfulness of illicit drugs. 108 male volunteers (aged 19-35 yrs), who expected to smoke marihuana during the study, were asked to rate the harmfulness of a number of illicit drugs, including marihuana. Ss composed 3 groups: naive users, light users, and heavy users. Groups did not differ in terms of their perceived harmfulness of any of the drugs. Cluster analyses indicated 3 distinct clusters for the total group: The drugs perceived to be most harmful were heroin, morphine, and LSD; drugs perceived to be less harmful were cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, and nicotine; drugs perceived least harmful were caffeine and marihuana, with marihuana being judged the least harmful of all drugs. (20 ref)
PROSS SH; KLEIN TW; NEWTON CA; SMITH J; WIDEN R; FRIEDMAN H
Differential suppression of T-cell subpopulations by thc (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Int J Immunopharmacol. 1990; 12(5): 539-44
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, has been shown to suppress various immune functions in vivo and in vitro. THC suppresses murine T-lymphocyte proliferation; however, the effects on T-cell subsets remain unclear. We have stimulated cultured murine splenocytes with the mitogens concanavalin A (Con A) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) while exposing them to varying concentrations of THC. After three days, the cells were analyzed by the fluorescent activated cell sorter for the following T-cell markers--Thy1, L3T4 and Ly2. The Ly2 cells represent the suppressor/effector T-cells while L3T4 cells represent the helper T-cell subpopulations. The results show that the dose response suppressive effect of THC on T-cell proliferation reflects a preferential inhibition of Ly2 vs L3T4 cells. The effects of THC on other functional parameters are in the process of investigation.
PRUITT BE; KINGERY PM; MIRZAEE E; HEUBERGER G; HURLEY RS
Peer influence and drug use among adolescents in rural areas.
J Drug Educ. 1991; 21(1): 1-11
A sample of 1,004 eighth and tenth grade students in twenty-three small Central/East Texas communities was assessed to determine 1) their perception of the number of their friends who use drugs, 2) the amount of information they received about drugs from their friends, and 3) the connection between those perceptions and drug use. A multiple regression model which included grade, gender, the degree to which friends are perceived to use drugs and the amount of information about drugs received from friends explained 39 percent of the variance in the degree to which rural adolescents were involved in drug use. An item specific analysis of the subcomponents of these composite variables explained 44 percent of the variance in the degree to which rural adolescents were involved in drug use. This same four-factor model accurately classified over 81 percent of non-drug-users and 67 percent of users using discriminant analysis. Students who perceived a higher degree of drug use among their friends and who received more information about drugs from their friends used drugs more frequently. Lower marijuana use in these rural areas as compared to the nation, both as a peer perception and as a fact, may protect these students to a degree from broader patterns of drug use. The findings of this study support the theory that peer pressure is related to drug abuse, even in rural areas.
RAINONE, GREGORY A; DEREN, SHERRY; KLEINMAN, PAULA H; WISH, ERIC D
Heavy marijuana users not in treatment: The continuing search for the 'pure' marijuana user.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1987 Oct-Dec Vol 19(4) 353-359
Attempted to locate 'pure' (i.e., exclusive) marihuana smokers to examine the relationship between heavy exclusive marihuana use and problem behaviors. Of the 99 adults and adolescents responding to an advertisement for heavy marihuana users, 12 met the criteria for exclusive marihuana use, suggesting that the pure user is a rare phenomenon. While only 10% of the Ss reported ever seeking treatment, nearly half reported problems resulting from their marihuana use. Findings suggest that heavy marihuana users who had engaged in lifetime multiple drug use had been introduced to marihuana early in life. It is concluded that efforts to locate pure users should be directed toward high-school aged populations.
RETTORI V; AGUILA MC; GIMENO MF; FRANCHI AM; MCCANN SM
In vitro effect of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol to stimulate somatostatin release and block that of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone by suppression of the release of prostaglandin E2.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Dec; 87(24): 10063-6
Previous in vivo studies have shown that delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal active ingredient in marijuana, can suppress both luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) secretion after its injection into the third ventricle of conscious male rats. The present studies were designed to determine the mechanism of these effects. Various doses of THC were incubated with either stalk median eminence fragments (MEs) or mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) fragments in vitro. Although THC (10 nM) did not alter basal release of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) from MEs in vitro, it completely blocked the stimulatory action of dopamine or norepinephrine on LHRH release. The effective doses to block LHRH release were associated with a blockade of synthesis and release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from MBH in vitro. In contrast to the suppressive effect of THC on LHRH release, somatostatin release from MEs was enhanced in a dose-related manner with a minimal effective dose of 1 nM. Since PGE2 suppresses somatostatin release, this enhancement may also be related to the suppressive effect of THC on PGE2 synthesis and release. We speculate that these actions are mediated by the recently discovered THC receptors in the tissue. The results indicate that the suppressive effect of THC on LH release is mediated by a blockade of LHRH release, whereas the suppressive effect of the compound on growth hormone release is mediated, at least in part, by a stimulation of somatostatin release.
ROCKWELL, DON A
Social problems: Alcohol and marijuana.
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; 1972 Fal Vol. 5(1) 49-55
Suggests that the controversy concerning the dangerousness of marihuana is a social-political rather than a medical-scientific issue. An attempt is made to prove this point by analogy with the parallel social problem of alcohol. The history of alcohol as a social problem, the temperance movement, the socialization of alcohol use, the alcoholism movement, and general patterns of illegal consumption offences for alcohol and drugs are described and discussed. The isomorphism of alcohol and marihuana is demonstrated. It is concluded that the present systems of social control are counterproductive. Recommendations are presented for the medical profession to recognize the social-political issues involved in 'drug abuse' to aid in depolarizing attitudes, and to improve the socialization milieu and general drug education.
ROFFMAN, ROGER A; STEPHENS, ROBERT S; SIMPSON, EDITH E; WHITAKER, DANIEL L
Treatment of marijuana dependence: Preliminary results. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 129-137
Assessed the posttreatment outcome status of 99 marihuana-dependent adults randomly assigned to a relapse prevention-oriented cognitive-behavioral treatment model (RP) or a nonbehavioral treatment approach emphasizing social support and group discussion (SS). Although significant reductions in marihuana use occurred in both the RP and SS groups at 1 mo, findings suggest that the RP group had used marihuana on average a smaller number of days for the month than had the SS group. It is concluded that adult chronic marihuana users who are not concurrently abusing other substances can successfully be recruited into an abstinence-oriented treatment program.
SARVELA, PAUL D; MCCLENDON, E J
Indicators of Rural Youth Drug Use
Journal of Youth and Adolescence; 1988, 17, 4, Aug, 335-347.
The relationship between personal substance use, health beliefs, peer use, sex, & religion were examined using questionnaire data collected from 265 middle school students in rural northern Mich & northeastern Wisc in Jan & Feb 1984. A positive correlation between peer & personal drug use was established; a relationship was also found between health beliefs & personal substance use. A regression model was able to account for a statistically significant amount of the variance of alcohol, marijuana, & cigarette use among respondents. Recommendations are made concerning future research, methods of improving health education program development, & possible target areas for psychotherapy.
SCHEP RA
Precision and accuracy in the quantitation of carboxytetrahydrocannibinol by isotope dilution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
J Anal Toxicol. 1990 Sep Oct; 14(5): 296-300
The classical definitions of method detection limit (MDL) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) are redefined using calibration curve regression analysis. Traditional ways of determining these parameters provide scant information on the daily precision of the analysis at all concentration levels. These parameters are time consuming to acquire and hold only for the moment of acquisition. It is illustrated, with experimental data, using isotope dilution analyses of THC-COOH, a marijuana metabolite, that not only can MDL and LOQ be obtained directly from the calibration curve, but confidence intervals for the calibration curve can also be obtained, which define the precision of the analyses at all levels calibrated. If calibration and analyses of unknowns take place simultaneously, then an MDL and confidence intervals that are relevant to data acquisition are obtained. Confidence intervals at particular analyte concentrations of interest were of greater value than the MDL and LOQ in evaluation of the analytical method. The parameter from the calibration curve is defined as the calibrated quantitation limit.
SCHOENFELDT, LYLE F; STRIMBU, JERRY L
College Student Drug Usage in a State System as a Function of Type of Institution
Research in Higher Education; 1975, Vol 3(3) Sep, 275-284.
A study was conducted among 4,672 students at twenty-eight state institutions of higher learning in a large southeastern state. Institutions were classified according to their highest degree offered. Subjects were administered a 112-item questionnaire concerning: (1) classification (age, sex, race, etc), (2) biographical data, & (3) attitudes toward drugs & drug abuse. Relationships between type of institution & use of nine different drug items were analyzed univariately & multivariately. Alcohol, tobacco, & marijuana were the substances most widely used by all three groups. When institution-types were compared by pairs, eg, universities/colleges, at least two of the three pairs of groups differed on reported usage of six of the substances, with the largest differences being between University & junior college use of alcohol & marijuana. A discriminant analysis showed that the nine items formed two differentiating dimensions: (A) alcohol usage & (B) hallucinogen/LSD usage. Despite the statistical significance, the differences in terms of actual numbers of users were small.
SCHRAGER L; FRIEDLAND G; FEINER C; KAHL P
Demographic characteristics, drug use, and sexual behavior of i.v. drug user with AIDS in Bronx, New York.
Public Health Rep. 1991 Jan Feb; 106(1): 78-84
Intravenous (i.v.) drug users are a key factor in the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, yet epidemiologic information about this population, especially those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is scarce. The demographic characteristics, drug use behavior, and sexual practices of i.v. drug users who developed AIDS were prospectively studied at the Montefiore Medical Center from October 1984 to February 1988. The early wave of i.v. drug users with AIDS was characterized by poverty, minority overrepresentation (more than 80 percent were black or Hispanic), and initiation of i.v. drug use at an early age (median age 19 years). Injection of drugs and sharing of needles was frequent. Most had used so-called shooting galleries, but only for a minority of injection episodes. Heroin or cocaine use was almost universal, nearly always accompanied by abuse of another substance, usually alcohol or marijuana. Fewer than a third had ever participated in a methadone maintenance program, but more than 40 percent had been in prison since 1978. All patients had been sexually active, often with partners who were not i.v. drug users. The research suggests a complex interaction existing between high-risk demographic characteristics, drug use practice, and certain types of sexual behavior, all of which contributed to the early spread of HIV infection in this population. Efforts that are directed toward interrupting i.v. drug user-related transmission of HIV need to include consideration of these characteristics.
SCHRAUZER GN; SHRESTHA KP
Lithium in drinking water and the incidences of crimes, suicides, and arrests related to drug addictions.
Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990 May; 25(2): 105-13
Using data for 27 Texas counties from 1978-1987, it is shown that the incidence rates of suicide, homicide, and rape are significantly higher in counties whose drinking water supplies contain little or no lithium than in counties with water lithium levels ranging from 70-170 micrograms/L; the differences remain statistically significant (p less than 0.01) after corrections for population density. The corresponding associations with the incidence rates of robbery, burglary, and theft were statistically significant with p less than 0.05. These results suggest that lithium has moderating effects on suicidal and violent criminal behavior at levels that may be encountered in municipal water supplies. Comparisons of drinking water lithium levels, in the respective Texas counties, with the incidences of arrests for possession of opium, cocaine, and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, and codeine) from 1981-1986 also produced statistically significant inverse associations, whereas no significant or consistent associations were observed with the reported arrest rates for possession of marijuana, driving under the influence of alcohol, and drunkenness. These results suggest that lithium at low dosage levels has a generally beneficial effect on human behavior, which may be associated with the functions of lithium as a nutritionally-essential trace element. Subject to confirmation by controlled experiments with high-risk populations, increasing the human lithium intakes by supplementation, or the lithiation of drinking water is suggested as a possible means of crime, suicide, and drug-dependency reduction at the individual and community level.
SCHWARTZ JG; ZOLLARS PR; OKORODUDU AO; CARNAHAN JJ; WALLACE JE; BRIGGS JE
Accuracy of common drug screen tests.
Am J Emerg Med. 1991 Mar; 9(2): 166-70
Forty consecutive urine specimens, obtained from patients seen in the emergency center, positive for either cocaine and/or marijuana, were analyzed using five methods of analysis. A new latex agglutination inhibition assay, Abuscreen OnTrak, (Roche Diagnostic Systems, Nutley, NJ), was compared with four other drug abuse assays: mass spectrometry, (Hewlett-Packard Co, Richardson, TX); an automated homogeneous enzyme immunoassay technique, ETS System, (Syva Co, Palo Alto, CA); a manual enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique; EMIT-st, (Syva); and a fluorescence polarization immunoassay, TDx, (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL). For statistical purposes, mass spectrometry was the reference point for the presence or absence of a specific substance. All instrument sensitivities, with the exception of mass spectrometry, were set with the same 'cut off' point of 100 micrograms/L for marijuana and 300 micrograms/L for cocaine and its metabolites. Efficiency in the detection of cocaine and its metabolites was 95% by all methods. Efficiency for the detection of marijuana and its metabolites ranged from 70% (Roche's OnTrak) to 90% (Syva's ETS). Simple to use, assays of minimal cost are presently available for rapid, accurate drug of abuse screening.
SCHWARTZ RH; SMITH DE
Hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1988 Feb. 27(2). P 70-3.
Ingestion of mushrooms containing psilocybin produces hallucinogenic effects and has become a popular form of substance abuse among some adolescents and young adults. We have reviewed the medical literature on psilocybin mushrooms and describe current patterns of use, provide background material on the botony and pharmacology of these crude drugs, and report results of a small study on usage patterns among identified adolescent drug abusers. Among 174 adolescents already identified as substance abusers, 45 (26%) reported having used hallucinogenic mushrooms, frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. An average intake of 2-4 mushrooms was obtained for about +8, and led to intoxication for 5-6 hours. Mixing of intoxicants such as alcohol, marijuana, and psilocybin mushrooms was the rule. The acute adverse reactions may have been the result of drug synergy. Pediatricians should become aware of the specific patterns of the use of hallucinogenic drugs by adolescents and consider the possibility of such use when evaluating a delirious or psychotic adolescent.
SEARLES JS; ALTERMAN AI; PURTILL JJ
The detection of alcoholism in hospitalized schizophrenics: a comparison of the MAST and the MAC.
Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1990 Aug; 14(4): 557-60
The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) and the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC) were administered to forty-one schizophrenic inpatients also meeting DSM-III criteria for either alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence and 29 schizophrenic inpatients who did not qualify for an additional substance abuse diagnosis other than marijuana abuse/dependence. The MAC failed to differentiate between the alcoholic and nonalcoholic groups and both groups scored above the recommended cutting score. The MAST significantly differentiated the alcoholic and nonalcoholic schizophrenic patients and was as sensitive to a history of alcohol abuse as to alcohol dependence. Neither the MAST nor MAC was sensitive to recent versus more remote drinking. The overall classificatory accuracy of the MAST was found to be 80% and that of the MAC was 56%. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of just four MAST items can yield a group classificatory rate of 83%. It was concluded that the MAST exhibited sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used as an initial screening instrument for alcoholism in schizophrenic patients.
SENNA, JOSEPH; RATHUS, SPENCER A; SIEGEL, LARRY
Delinquent Behavior and Academic Investment among Suburban Youth
Adolescence; 1974, 9, 36, Win, 481-494.
The relationship between delinquent behavior & academic investment among suburban youth is investigated among middle class adolescents. 296 M's in senior high, ranging from 14-18 years old, from a populous suburban region west of New York City were administered QUESTIONNAIRE's. S's were selected randomly from heterogeneously constituted classrooms in 10 public high schools. The S's were assured of anonymity & confidentiality of their responses. R's were predominantly white, Protestant, & living at home with parents. It was found that LSD users were more likely to use heroin than marijuana users. Delinquency covaries positively with misconduct in school, & negatively with academic achievement. However, poor academic achievement per se appears to explain less than 5% of the delinquent variance in suburbia. For students who are hedonistically oriented, opportunities such as open classroom & modular timeblocking systems could better accommodate individual preferences. Since failure to achieve academically does not appear to be an important contributory factor in delinquency, vocational, & other special types of classes would not appear to provide the answer to delinquent behavior in suburbia.
SIDNEY S
Evidence of discrepant data regarding trends in marijuana use and supply, 1985-1988.
J Psychoactive Drugs. 1990 Jul Sep; 22(3): 319-24
Between 1985 and 1988, the estimated number of current marijuana users (i.e., use within the past 30 days) in the United States declined 36%, based on self-report data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. During the same time period, estimated nondomestic production of marijuana available for consumption in the United States increased 58% and domestic production increased 119%, while there was no clear-cut trend in prices. Reports of marijuana use associated with emergency room visits more than doubled in these years. The reasons for these apparent discrepancies in the data regarding the supply and use of marijuana are unknown. The possible causes of change in these and other measures of illicit drug use are examined because they form the basis for assessment of the efficacy of the recently proposed 1989 National Drug Control Strategy.
SIDNEY S
Evidence of discrepant data regarding trends in marijuana use and supply, 1985-1988.
J Psychoactive Drugs. 1990 Jul Sep; 22(3): 319-24
Between 1985 and 1988, the estimated number of current marijuana users (i.e., use within the past 30 days) in the United States declined 36%, based on self-report data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. During the same time period, estimated nondomestic production of marijuana available for consumption in the United States increased 58% and domestic production increased 119%, while there was no clear-cut trend in prices. Reports of marijuana use associated with emergency room visits more than doubled in these years. The reasons for these apparent discrepancies in the data regarding the supply and use of marijuana are unknown. The possible causes of change in these and other measures of illicit drug use are examined because they form the basis for assessment of the efficacy of the recently proposed 1989 National Drug Control Strategy.
SIEGEL RK
Intoxication
Intoxication. page 283 ISBN 0-525-24764-5
Marijuana, coca, and poppies can be grown indoors, thus escaping most methods of visual detection. Law-enforcement agents have had to resort to new tactics such as monitoring the electricity utilized by suspected growers, who need enormous amounts of power to run the lights and temperature-control systems. None of these monitoring tactics, however, is effective when the drugs need only a dark cellar in which to grow. Accordingly, hallucinogenic mushrooms have become the second most popular and widespread homegrown drug in America.
SMART, LAURA S; CHIBUCOS, THOMAS R; DIDIER, LARRY A
Adolescent Substance Use and Perceived Family Functioning
Journal of Family Issues; 1990, 11, 2, June, 208-227.
The relationship between drug & alcohol use levels & adolescents' perceptions of family functioning & other individual risk factors is examined using questionnaire data from a sample of 30 consecutive classes of midwestern high school freshmen (N = 974). Findings reveal that adolescents from families rated as either extremely cohesive or adaptable, as compared to those from midrange & balanced families, are more likely to use marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, depressants, stimulants, & psychedelic drugs. Perceiving a family member to have a drinking problem also increases the likelihood of substance use among adolescents from extreme families.
Smith C; Nutbeam D
Adolescent drug use in Wales.
Br.J.Addict; 1992 Feb; 87(2); P 227-33
As part of a larger survey of health-related behaviours, 2239 15-16-year-olds in Wales provided information on their use of eight different types of drugs. Key findings indicate that just over a fifth of this age group report to having tried drugs at some time, while a tenth say they have done so within the past month. The most frequently reported substances were marijuana, solvents and glue, and psilocybin. Few of the young people reported multiple or regular drug use. The prevalence of drug use was higher for pupils from single parent families, and more boys than girls reported using psilocybin. The reliability and validity of self-report data are discussed, and the implications of the findings for health education programmes considered. ABSTRACT.
SOMMER, ROBERT
Two decades of marijuana attitudes: The more it changes, the more it is the same. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 67-70
Examined the effect of the 1976 California reduction in penalties for marihuana possession on the attitudes of undergraduates toward the use of the drug, as part of the author's periodic assessment of student attitudes toward marihuana use (MU). Results indicate that the reduction in possession penalties was accompanied by a significant decrease in Ss' acceptance of MU. It is suggested that tolerance of MU by law enforcement officials increased during the same period. Speculation on the effects of further penalty reduction is included.
SPARACINO CM; HYLDBURG PA; HUGHES TJ
Chemical and biological analysis of marijuana smoke condensate.
NIDA Res Monogr. 1990; 99: 121-40
[NO ABSTRACT] Marijuana smoke analysis
SPECTER S; LANCZ G; WESTRICH G; FRIEDMAN H
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol augments murine retroviral induced immunosuppression and infection.
Int J Immunopharmacol. 1991; 13(4): 411-7
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component in marijuana, and the murine retrovirus, Friend leukemia virus (FLV), have been demonstrated to depress cellular immune function, including lymphocyte blastogenic transformation and natural killer cell activity. The present study demonstrates tht the two agents can work in concert to depress these immune activities more severely than either agent administered by itself. When 7.5-10 micrograms/ml THC was added in vitro to spleen cells from mice infected 2-4 weeks earlier with FLV there was a noticeable decrease, beyond that seen with the drug or virus alone, for both lymphocyte blastogenesis and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In addition, when both FLV and THC were administered to mice concurrently with infection by herpes simplex virus (HSV), mortality attributed to the retrovirus infection occurred significantly more rapidly than in the absence of the drug and HSV. The data indicate that THC acted in the presence of a HSV infection to enhance the FLV induced mortality. By extrapolation to the human condition, these results suggest that marijuana could serve as a cofactor, possibly in conjunction with opportunistic pathogens, in the progression of infection due to the human immunodeficiency virus from latency to overt acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
STEWART, ROBERT W
Story Says Drug Foe Rep. Rohrabacher Is Ex-User
Los Angeles Times, Oct 19 1990; sec B, p 1 col 2
Dana Rohrabacher, a prominent conservative who favors drug testing for congressional staffs and supports strong anti-drug legislation, used marijuana, hashish and LSD as a young man, according to the Nov 5, 1990 issue of the New Republic; photo.
TASHKIN DP; FLIGIEL S; WU TC; GONG H JR; BARBERS RG; COULSON AH; SIMMONS MS; BEA
Effects of habitual use of marijuana and/or cocaine on the lung.
NIDA Res Monogr. 1990; 99: 63-87
[NO ABSTRACT] smoking marijuana, cocaine, lung side effects in humans.
The Emporor Wears No Clothes: The Authoritative Historical Record of the Cannabis Plant, Hemp Prohibition, and How Marijuana Can Still Save the World. Jack Herer, designed and edited by Chris Conrad. HEMP / Queen of the Clubs Publishing. 1990. paperback. 182 pages. $12.95. [box 2]
The Marijuana Farmers: Hemp Cults and Cultures. Jack Frazier. Solar Age Press. New Orleans. 1974. (photocopy velobound in anthology "Pot and Khat"). 134 pages. [box v3]
The Marriage of the Sun and the Moon: A Quest for Unity in Consciousness. Andrew Weil. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston. 1980. 289 pages. paperback. $6.95. Discusses datura, ayahuasca, mushrooms, marijuana, etc. [box 1m]
TUAKLI N; SMITH MA; HEATON C
Smoking in adolescence: methods for health education and smoking cessation. A MIRNET study.
J Fam Pract. 1990 Oct; 31(4): 369-74
The purpose of this study was to explore smoking behaviors and attitudes among adolescents. A self-administered questionnaire was used to sample adolescents presenting for health care to physicians belonging to MIRNET, a network of family physicians collaborating on research across Michigan. The questionnaire was anonymous and was completed before the visit. Physicians or office nurses were asked to complete a brief face sheet on their patient's demographic information and smoking status, which was linked to the questionnaire through a code number. Twenty-seven percent of female patients and 16% of male patients were smoking and 57% had tried smoking. Knowledge regarding health risks of smoking was high, and the major reasons given for starting to smoke were curiosity and peer behavior. Current smokers reported greater alcohol and marijuana use and cited problems with stress and anxiety, peer behavior, boredom, and the influence of smoking parents and relatives as factors in continuing to smoke. Patients' suggestions for successful smoking cessation focused on peers, explicit messages through pictures, and medication.
VALOIS, ROBERT F
Student Drug Use and Driving: A University Sample.
Journal of Chemical Education; v62 n4 p328-31 Apr 1985
A survey of 857 students at a large midwestern university provided information regarding the frequency and type of drugs used by students at any time and shortly before driving. The drugs most frequently used at least once in the prior year were alcohol, marijauna, caffeine, and nicotine. Significant association was found between alcohol use shortly before or while driving and the variables of moving violations, accidents, age, sex, driving experience in years and class rank. Significant association was also found between driving under the effects of marijauna and variables of sex, number of miles driven per year, frequency of driving, accidents and moving violations, as well as between alcohol use and marijuana use shortly before or while driving. Narcotic use as well as LSD, chemical vapors, cocaine and barbituates did not appear to be major factors in regard to substance use shortly before or while driving by college students in this study. It is suggested that educational programs should emphasize the effects of drugs on driving ability. Several tables provide statistical analyses of the data. (JD)
VULCANO BA; BARNES GE; LANGSTAFF P
Predicting marijuana use among adolescents.
Int J Addict. 1990 May; 25(5): 531-44
The present paper (1) contrasts the prevalence of marijuana use and involvement with marijuana among 194 delinquent and 405 nondelinquent adolescents, (2) examines the utility of an expanded version of Jessor and Jessor's (1977) problem behavior model in predicting adolescent marijuana use, and (3) tests the relative importance of the predictors of marijuana use. Personality variables that were added to the Jessor problem behavior model included: (1) stimulus reducing - augmenting, (2) ego strength, (3) anxiety, and (4) field dependence. Results showed that delinquents reported using marijuana more often than nondelinquents. In the multiple regression analyses the expanded model explained a slightly greater percentage of the variance in adolescent marijuana use than the Jessor and Jessor model. Of the added personality variables, the Vando (1969) Reducer--Augmenter dimension seemed to be a particularly significant predictor. In addition, reducing--augmenting seemed to be a better predictor of involvement with marijuana than several previously used personality and demographic variables since it replaced these in the final regression equation. Perceived environment variables measuring pressure from friends to use marijuana and friends as models for marijuana use were the best predictors of marijuana use.
WALTER D; NAGOSHI C; MUNTANER C; HAERTZEN CA
The prediction of drug dependence from expectancy for hostility while intoxicated.
Int J Addict. 1990 Oct; 25(10): 1151-68
Three hundred seventy-one male substance-abusing volunteers for drug studies were administered the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (B-D). One hundred nineteen of these subjects were readministered the B-D with the instruction to answer the items in terms of their behavior while drinking alcohol, with 67 of these subjects also completing a heroin use condition. Expectancies for hostility under alcohol or heroin were generally uncorrelated with other measures of personality, psychopathology, antisocial personality, impulsiveness, or criminality; but expectancies for hostility under alcohol were predictive of diagnoses of alcohol, opioid, and marijuana abuse and dependence over and above the influence of these other measures.
WHITNEY SB; CONTI JN
Adolescent drug abuse: problem and prospectus.
Med Law. 1990; 9(3): 972-85
Available research indicates that adolescent alcohol and drug abuse is a multi-level phenomenon which seriously affects the functioning of the individual, his (her) interpersonal experiences, the school and society in terms of problem behaviour and other psychopathological and social dysfunctional correlates. Data of the prevalence and problems of abuse obtained by a survey of high school students indicate a high prevalence of alcohol and marijuana used combinationally and heavy users are likely to experience psychopathological consequences, including personal problems of identity diffusion, self-esteem, a motivational syndrome, and acute brain syndrome, interpersonal problems with peers and parents and problems with school participation and the law: adolescents who abuse alcohol and marijuana in combination at the same time are likely to have severe, chronic, and progressive psychopathological problems. Presented is an integrated prospectus for a comprehensive, integrated, longitudinal prevention and intervention program on the community level including components of a holistic information and education programme with a prevention focus; counselling through a student assistance programme of intervention, evaluation and treatment; and rehabilitation through alternative schools. Also included are recommendations for further study and a caution of the implications of drug research and programme for adolescents.
WILCOX AJ; WEINBERG CR; BAIRD DD
Risk factors for early pregnancy loss.
Epidemiology. 1990 Sep; 1(5): 382-5
We looked at risk of early pregnancy loss among 171 women who conceived while participating in study. Twenty-five percent of biochemically detected pregnancies ended within six weeks of the last menstrual period; all but two of these losses were clinically unrecognized. While our sample is small, it is the first to allow description of possible associations between risk of early pregnancy loss and maternal characteristics or exposures. We looked at risk in relation to a woman's age, pregnancy history, weight, education, prenatal DES exposure, cigarette smoking, use of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, marijuana, cigarette smoking by baby's father, and other variables. None of these factors was definitely associated with early pregnancy loss. Still, the possibility of real effects cannot be excluded and deserves further study.
WINDLE M
The difficult temperament in adolescence: associations with substance use, family support, and problem behaviors.
J Clin Psychol. 1991 Mar; 47(2): 310-5
This study investigated interrelations between the number of difficult temperament factors (e.g., arrhythmicity, inflexibility, high distractibility) and substance use, perceived family support, and problem behaviors for a sample of 297 adolescents (M age = 15.7 years). The number of adolescent difficult temperament factors was associated significantly with more childhood behavior problems (e.g., hyperactivity, conduct disordered symptoms), which suggests some continuity of disordered behavior from childhood to adolescence. Number of adolescent difficult temperament factors also was associated with a higher percentage of substance users (for cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, hard drugs), lower perceived family support, higher levels of depressive symptoms, and more delinquent activity. Number of difficult temperament factors was not associated significantly with gender or age of respondents.
WU, TZU CHIN; TASHKIN, DONALD P; ROSE, JED E; DJAHED, BENHAM
Influence of marijuana potency and amount of cigarette consumed on marijuana smoking pattern. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 43-46
Monitored the smoking patterns of 15 healthy adult male habitual marihuana users. Ss were observed while they smoked marihuana cigarettes (joints) containing 0.004% (placebo) or 1.24% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Ss reported feeling significantly more intoxicated after smoking the THC joint than after the placebo joint; however, there were no significant differences for the 2 strengths of marihuana in smoking parameters (e.g., puff number, inhaled volume of smoke). Results do not support observations by M. Perez-Reyes et al (1982) that less potent joints are smoked less aggressively or that the same smokers consume a smaller portion of more potent than less potent joints.
ZABLOCKI B; AIDALA A; HANSELL S; WHITE HR
Marijuana use, introspectiveness, and mental health.
J Health Soc Behav. 1991 Mar; 32(1): 65-79
Conflicting evidence suggests that marijuana use may be associated with either positive or negative mental health. This study explores the possibility that the association of marijuana use with mental health differs among various subgroups of users. Specifically, we investigate the hypothesis that marijuana use and the personality disposition of introspectiveness interact in their effects on psychological well-being. Results support this hypothesis and show that marijuana use is associated significantly with psychological distress for highly introspective individuals. In contrast, marijuana use has no such association for those low on introspectiveness. Additional evidence shows that marijuana use involves primarily self-oriented cognitive and emotional experiences for highly introspective individuals, whereas for those low on introspectiveness it is characterized more often by perceptual distortions and sensorimotor sensations.
ZACHARIAH SB
Stroke after heavy marijuana smoking.
Stroke. 1991 Mar; 22(3): 406-9
I examined two young men who developed cerebral infarction associated with heavy marijuana smoking. Both were light tobacco smokers, but they did not drink alcohol or use other street drugs. Diagnostic work-up for nonatherosclerotic causes of stroke was unremarkable. I postulate that marijuana-associated alterations in systemic blood pressure resulted in vasospasm, leading to strokes in these patients.
ZACNY JP; CHAIT LD
Response to marijuana as a function of potency and breathhold duration.
Psychopharmacology Berl. 1991; 103(2): 223-6
The present study examined the effects of systematic manipulation of breathhold duration (0 and 20 s) on the physiological and subjective response to active (M; 2.3% delta-9-THC) and placebo (P; 0.0% delta-9-THC) marijuana in a group of ten regular marijuana smokers. During the eight-session experiment, subjects were exposed twice to each of four experimental conditions (P0, P20, M0, M20), scheduled according to a randomized block design. A controlled smoking procedure was used in which the number of puffs and puff volume were held constant. Expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) levels were used to monitor smoke intake. Breathhold duration affected CO absorption; significantly more CO was absorbed from both P and M smoke after 20 s of breathholding (mean CO boost = 6.9 ppm) than after no breathholding (mean = 4.4 ppm). Heart rate was minimally affected by the breathhold manipulation. Effects of marijuana on mood were not consistently affected by breathhold duration. The results confirm previous findings that prolonged breathholding does not substantially enhance the effects of inhaled marijuana smoke.
ZIMMERMAN S; ZIMMERMAN AM
Genetic effects of marijuana.
Int J Addict. 1990 91; 25(1A): 19-33
Marijuana and its constitutive cannabinoids--tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD)--markedly affect mammalian cells. Cytogenetic studies have revealed that cannabinoids induce chromosome aberrations in both in vivo and in vitro studies. These aberrations include chromosomal breaks, deletions, translocations, errors in chromosomal segregation, and hypoploidy, and are due to the clastogenic action of cannabinoids or to cannabinoid-induced disruption of mitotic events or both. Conflicting reports of the cytogenetic effects of cannabinoids are partially explained by the different experimental protocols, cell types, and animals used by investigators. Cannabinoids also suppress macromolecular synthesis (DNA, RNA, and protein) as well as reduce the level of histone gene expression. In general these studies show that cannabinoids are detrimental to the health of an individual.
ZIMMERMAN S; ZIMMERMAN AM
Genetic effects of marijuana.
Int J Addict. 1990 91; 25(1A): 19-33
Marijuana and its constitutive cannabinoids--tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD)--markedly affect mammalian cells. Cytogenetic studies have revealed that cannabinoids induce chromosome aberrations in both in vivo and in vitro studies. These aberrations include chromosomal breaks, deletions, translocations, errors in chromosomal segregation, and hypoploidy, and are due to the clastogenic action of cannabinoids or to cannabinoid-induced disruption of mitotic events or both. Conflicting reports of the cytogenetic effects of cannabinoids are partially explained by the different experimental protocols, cell types, and animals used by investigators. Cannabinoids also suppress macromolecular synthesis (DNA, RNA, and protein) as well as reduce the level of histone gene expression. In general these studies show that cannabinoids are detrimental to the health of an individual.
ZUCKERMAN B; BAUCHNER H; PARKER S; CABRAL H
Maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy, and newborn irritability.
J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1990 Aug; 11(4): 190-4
Maternal depression is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes for children, including poor mother-infant interactions at 3 months post-partum. The aim of this study is to determine whether maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy are associated with neonatal neurobehavioral functioning, as measured by the Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Scale. The study population consists of 1,123 mothers and their term infants who were participants in a larger study of maternal health and infant outcomes. Women were administered the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) questionnaire for depressive symptoms during their pregnancy. Their infants were subsequently assessed by a pediatrician blind to their CES-D scores. The CES-D score was associated with unconsolability and excessive crying (p less than 0.01). The higher the mother's CES-D score, the more likely it was that the infant would be unconsolable or cry excessively. Mothers with CES-D scores at the 90th percentile were 2.6 times more likely to have unconsolable newborns, compared with women with CES-D scores at the 10th percentile (95% C.I. = 1.54, 4.23). When potentially confounding variables, such as cigarette smoking, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use, poor weight gain, income, birth weight, and other drug use, were controlled, the relationship between CES-D score and newborn unconsolability and excessive crying remain unchanged. The results of this study suggest that the relationship between early childhood problems and maternal depressive symptoms may be part of a sequence that starts with depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
ZUCKERMAN B; MAYNARD EC; CABRAL H
A preliminary report of prenatal cocaine exposure and respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.
Am J Dis Child. 1991 Jun; 145(6): 696-8
A prospective study of maternal drug use during pregnancy and newborn outcomes provided us with an opportunity to assess the relationship between prenatal cocaine use and respiratory distress syndrome among premature infants. Women were consecutively recruited from the prenatal clinics at Boston (Mass) City Hospital between 1984 and 1988 and were interviewed during the prenatal and postpartum period by trained bilingual interviewers. Urine specimens were collected at the time of each interview and were analyzed for marijuana and cocaine metabolites. Following delivery, one of five pediatricians who were 'blinded' to the mothers' prenatal and drug history performed a physical examination and abstracted medical information, including the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome from the medical record. The study sample consisted of 33 infants born at 34 weeks' or less gestation who were appropriate for gestational age and not exposed to heroin or methadone prenatally. Eight of the mothers of these 33 infants used cocaine prenatally. One (12%) of eight cocaine-exposed infants was diagnosed as having respiratory distress syndrome compared with 13 infants (56%) not exposed to cocaine prenatally. Infants not exposed had an odds ratio of 8.9 (95% confidence interval: 0.9, 83.5) for respiratory distress syndrome compared with infants exposed to cocaine prenatally. When the analysis was controlled for prolonged rupture of membranes, black race, infant gender, or gestational age, the adjusted odds ratio was essentially unchanged. This preliminary observation of a decreased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome among premature infants prenatally exposed to cocaine appears to be biologically plausible and needs to be confirmed in future studies with larger numbers of subjects to control for potentially confounding variables.
ZWEBEN, JOAN E; O'CONNELL, KATHLEEN
Strategies for breaking marijuana dependence. Special Issue: Marijuana--an update.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs; 1988 Jan-Mar Vol 20(1) 121-127
Discusses the process of withdrawal from marihuana and describes psychological and behavioral strategies for breaking marihuana dependence. Pharmacological adjuncts to these strategies that affect the endogenous opiate system are described. Improvement of the physical well-being of dependent patients, including stabilization of eating patterns, is considered. Behavioral strategies for breaking marihuana dependence involve identifying the stressors accompanying behavioral risk for drug abuse and developing coping strategies for withdrawal problems such as insomnia.
ZWERLING C; RYAN J; ORAV EJ
The efficacy of preemployment drug screening for marijuana and cocaine in predicting employment outcome [see comments]
JAMA. 1990 Nov 28; 264(20): 2639-43
We present a prospective, controlled study of the association between preemployment drug screening results and employment outcomes in 2537 postal employees. For identified marijuana users, relative risk for turnover was 1.56 (95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.17 to 2.08); accidents, 1.55 (95% Cl, 1.16 to 2.08); injuries, 1.85 (95% Cl, 1.30 to 2.64); and discipline, 1.55 (95% Cl, 1.03 to 2.32). Their mean absence rate was 7.1% compared with 4.0% for nonusers. For identified cocaine users, relative risk for turnover was 1.15 (95% Cl, 0.65 to 2.05); accidents, 1.59 (95% Cl, 0.95 to 2.67); injuries, 1.85 (95% Cl, 1.01 to 3.39); and discipline, 1.40 (95% Cl, 0.62 to 3.17). Their mean absence rate was 9.8%. Our study shows that a preemployment drug screen positive for marijuana or cocaine is associated with adverse employment outcomes. The level of risk, however, is much less than previously estimated. This finding has important implications for the social, legal, and economic arguments for and against drug testing.
50th Anniversary of LSD: Marijuana and Medical Uses Dennis Peron, Prop P Leader; Brownie Mary Rathbun; Valerie Corral, patient; Ed Rosenthal, "Ask Ed"; Dr. Donald Abrams, AIDS researcher; Dr. Tod Mikuriya, psychiatrist; Dr. John Morgan, CUNY Medical School and from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Lester Grinspoon introducing his new book, "Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine."
(2)Audios-A1059d-93, ![[SoundPhotoSynthesis]](spstag.gif)
(1)Video-V471d-93,
HOFFMAN D;BRUNNEMANN K D; GORI G B; WYNDER E L
On the Carcinogenicity of Marijuana Smoke
Recent Advances in Phytochemistry; 9 (1975) p 63-81
|
| Comparison of Gaseous and Particulate components of Marijuana & Tobacco Smoke. |
| Substance/Carcinogen | Marijuana Smoke | Tobacco Smoke |
| Gas Phase Analysis: |
| Carbon monoxide (vol%) | 3.99 | 4.58 |
| Carbon monoxide (mg) | 17.6 | 20.2 |
| Carbon dioxide (vol%) | 8.23 | 9.38 |
| Carbon dioxide (mg) | 57.3 | 65.0 |
| Ammonia (ug) | 228 | 178 |
| HCN [Hydrogen cyanide] (ug) | 532 | 498 |
| Isoprene (ug) | 83 | 310 |
| Acetaldehyde (ug) | 1200 | 980 |
| Acetone (ug) | 443 | 578 |
| Acreolin (ug) | 92 | 85 |
| Acetonitrile (ug) | 132 | 123 |
| Benzene (ug) | 76 | 67 |
| Tolulene (ug) | 112 | 108 |
| Dimethylnitrosamine (ng) | 75 | 84 |
| Methylethylnitrosamine (ng) | 27 | 30 |
| Particulate matter analysis: |
| Phenol (ug) | 76.8 | 138.5 |
| o-Cresol (ug) | 17.9 | 24 |
| m-,p-Cresol (ug) | 54.4 | 65 |
| 2,4- and 2,5-dimethylphenol (ug) | 6.8 | 14.4 |
| * Cannabidiol (ug) | 190 | - |
| * Delta-9 THC (ug) | 820 | - |
| * Nicotine (ug) | - | 2850 |
| Naphtalene (ng) | 3000 | 1200 |
| l-methylnaphthalene (ng) | 6100 | 3650 |
| 2-methylnaphthalene (ng) | 3600 | 1400 |
| Benzo(a)anthracene (ng) | 75 | 43 |
| Benzo(a)pyrene (ng) | 31 | 22.1 |
mg = milligram (thousands of a gram)
ug = microgram (millionth of a gram)
ng = nanogram (billionth of a gram)
Subtances marked with * are psychoactive |
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