Abstinence symptoms following oral THC administration to humans.
Psychopharmacology February 1, 1999 M Haney, A S Ward, S D Comer et al.
Dependence can develop at lower daily doses of THC than previously studied. In a 20-day residential study, 12 marijuana smokers received placebo, then 80 mg/day (20 mg four times daily) and 120 mg/day (30 mg four times daily) of oral THC. Both active doses increased ratings of "High," "Good Drug Effect," and "Willingness to Take Dose Again," and increased food intake by 35–45% while decreasing verbal interaction. Tolerance developed to subjective effects but not to effects on food intake or social behavior. Abstinence increased ratings of anxious, depressed, and irritable, reduced sleep quantity and quality, and decreased food intake by 20–30%. These changes suggest that alleviation of abstinence symptoms may contribute to maintaining daily marijuana use.