Casual Versus Heavy Use of Marijuana: A Redefinition of the Marijuana Problem
STEVEN M. MIRIN M.D.1,
LEO M. SHAPIRO M.D.1,
ROGER E. MEYER M.D.2,
RICHARD C. PILLARD M.D.2, , and
SEYMOUR FISHER PH.D.3
1 Resident in Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, Boston University Medical Center, 700 Harrison Ave., Boston, Mass. 02118
2 Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, Boston University Medical Center, 700 Harrison Ave., Boston, Mass. 02118
3 Research Professor and Director, Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, Boston University Medical Center, 700 Harrison Ave., Boston, Mass. 02118
Twelve heavy and 12 casual users of marijuana generally found the experience to be a pleasurable one. In contrast to casual smokers, heavy users of marijuana tended to use multiple drugs and demonstrated a significant incidence of psychic dependence on marijuana. Their search for insight or for a meaningful affective experience colored their motivation for drug use. Experience with multiple drugs was also associated with poor social and work adjustment; goal-directed activity and ability to master new problems were diminished.
