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Mark A Ilgen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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prevalence and correlates of sleep related problems in adults receiving medical Cannabis for chronic pain
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2017Co-Authors: James A Cranford, Kipling M Bohnert, Carrie Bourque, Mark A Ilgen, Todd J Arnedt, Deirdre A Conroy, Frederic C BlowAbstract:Abstract Purpose To examine the prevalence and correlates of sleep problems in a sample of medical Cannabis patients. Procedures Adults ages 21 and older ( N = 801, M age = 45.8) who were seeking medical Cannabis certification (either for the first time or as a renewal) for chronic pain at medical Cannabis clinics in southern Michigan completed baseline measures of Cannabis use, sleep, pain, and other related constructs. Findings Over half of the sample (59%) met criteria for past 1-month sleep disturbance, defined as at least one sleep problem occurring on 15 or more nights in the past month. Most participants (86%) reported that sleep problems were due to their current pain. Approximately 80% of participants reported using Cannabis in the past 6 months to improve sleep and, among these participants, Cannabis was rated as helpful for improving sleep. Sleep-related Cannabis side effects were rare (35%), but sleep-related Cannabis withdrawal symptoms were relatively common (65%). Statistically significant correlates of past 1-month sleep disturbance included a) being female, b) being white, c) being on disability, d) not having a medical Cannabis card, and e) frequency of using Cannabis to help sleep. Conclusions Sleep problems are highly prevalent and frequent in medical Cannabis patients and are closely tied to pain. Sleep-related Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are relatively common but their clinical relevance is unknown. The association between frequency of Cannabis use to help sleep with higher odds of sleep problems will need to be clarified by longitudinal studies.
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prevalence and correlates of vaping as a route of Cannabis administration in medical Cannabis patients
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2016Co-Authors: James A Cranford, Kipling M Bohnert, Carrie Bourque, Brian E Perron, Mark A IlgenAbstract:Abstract Purpose To examine the prevalence and correlates of vaporization (i.e., “vaping”) as a route of Cannabis administration in a sample of medical Cannabis patients. Procedures Adults ages 21 and older ( N = 1485 M age = 45.1) who were seeking medical Cannabis certification (either for the first time or as a renewal) at medical Cannabis clinics in southern Michigan completed a screening assessment. Participants completed measures of route of Cannabis administration, Cannabis use, alcohol and other substance use. Findings An estimated 39% (n = 511) of the sample reported past-month Cannabis vaping, but vaping as the sole route of Cannabis administration was rare. Specifically, only 30 participants (2.3% of the full sample and 5.9% of those who reported any vaping) indicated vaping as the sole route of Cannabis administration. The majority (87.3%) of those who reported vaping also reported smoking (combustion) as a route of Cannabis administration. Being younger than age 44, having more than a high school education, engaging in nonmedical stimulant use, being a returning medical Cannabis patient, and greater frequency of Cannabis use were associated with higher odds of vaping at the bivariate level and with all variables considered simultaneously. Conclusions Vaping appears to be relatively common among medical Cannabis patients, but is seldom used as the sole route of Cannabis administration. Results highlight the importance of monitoring trends in vaping and other substance use behaviors in this population and underscore the need for longitudinal research into the motives, correlates, and consequences of Cannabis vaping in medical Cannabis patients.
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comparing adults who use Cannabis medically with those who use recreationally results from a national sample
Addictive Behaviors, 2016Co-Authors: Lewei Allison Lin, Mark A Ilgen, Mary Jannausch, Kipling M BohnertAbstract:Abstract Objectives Cannabis has been legalized for medical use in almost half of the states in the U.S. Although laws in these states make the distinction between medical and recreational use of Cannabis, the prevalence of people using medical Cannabis and how distinct this group is from individuals using Cannabis recreationally is unknown at a national level. Methods Data came from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). All adults endorsing past year Cannabis use who reported living in a state that had legalized medical Cannabis were divided into recreational Cannabis use only and medical Cannabis use. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared across these two groups. Results 17% of adults who used Cannabis in the past year used Cannabis medically. There were no significant differences between those who used medically versus recreationally in race, education, past year depression and prevalence of Cannabis use disorders. In adjusted analyses, those with medical Cannabis use were more likely to have poorer health and lower levels of alcohol use disorders and non-Cannabis drug use. A third of those who reported medical Cannabis use endorsed daily Cannabis use compared to 11% in those who reported recreational use exclusively. Conclusions Adults who use medical and recreational Cannabis shared some characteristics, but those who used medical Cannabis had higher prevalence of poor health and daily Cannabis use. As more states legalize Cannabis for medical use, it is important to better understand similarities and differences between people who use Cannabis medically and recreationally.
Marcel O Bonnmiller - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a cross sectional examination of choice and behavior of veterans with access to free medicinal Cannabis
American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2019Co-Authors: Mallory Loflin, James Sottile, Kimberly A. Babson, Sonya B Norman, Staci A Gruber, Marcel O BonnmillerAbstract:Background: With a rise in public pressure to increase veteran access to medicinal Cannabis, free Cannabis collectives for military veterans are proliferating across the US. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to document which Cannabis formulations and routes of administration are chosen by veterans with increased access to Cannabis, and to determine whether Cannabis is being used as a substitute for other licit and illicit drugs. Method: The current study collected cross-sectional self-report data on Cannabis use, cannabinoid constituent composition, primary indication of use, and substitution practices among a sample of 93 US military veterans (84.9% male) with access to free Cannabis. Result: Most of the sample reported using cannabinoids as a substitute for either alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, or illicit substances, reported that they use Cannabis frequently (Modal frequency >4x/day, Modal quantity = 5 to 8 grams/week), and primarily select higher-risk Cannabis formulations (i.e., high THC/low CBD, smoked). The majority of the sample reported that they use Cannabis to self-treat multiple physical and mental health conditions/symptoms. Conclusions: Results of the current study suggest that military Veterans with reduced barriers to access Cannabis could be making both helpful and harmful choices regarding their Cannabis use. These findings suggest that more guidance on the selection of Cannabis-based products in this population is warranted, particularly as barriers to medicinal Cannabis access are reduced.
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Cannabis use patterns and motives a comparison of younger middle aged and older medical Cannabis dispensary patients
Addictive Behaviors, 2017Co-Authors: Nancy A Haug, Adrienne J Heinz, Ryan Vandrey, James Sottile, Claudia B Padula, Marcel O BonnmillerAbstract:Abstract Introduction Medical Cannabis is increasingly being used for a variety of health conditions as more states implement legislation permitting medical use of Cannabis. Little is known about medical Cannabis use patterns and motives among adults across the lifespan. Methods The present study examined data collected at a medical Cannabis dispensary in San Francisco, California. Participants included 217 medical Cannabis patients who were grouped into age-defined cohorts (younger: 18–30, middle-aged: 31–50, and older: 51–72). The age groups were compared on several measures of Cannabis use, motives and medical conditions using one-way ANOVAs, chi-square tests and linear regression analyses. Results All three age groups had similar frequency of Cannabis use over the past month; however, the quantity of Cannabis used and rates of problematic Cannabis use were higher among younger users relative to middle-aged and older adults. The association between age and problematic Cannabis use was moderated by age of regular use initiation such that earlier age of regular Cannabis use onset was associated with more problematic use in the younger users, but not among older users. Middle-aged adults were more likely to report using medical Cannabis for insomnia, while older adults were more likely to use medical Cannabis for chronic medical problems such as cancer, glaucoma and HIV/AIDS. Younger participants reported Cannabis use when bored at a greater rate than middle-aged and older adults. Conclusions Findings suggest that there is an age-related risk for problematic Cannabis use among medical Cannabis users, such that younger users should be monitored for Cannabis use patterns that may lead to deleterious consequences.
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using Cannabis to help you sleep heightened frequency of medical Cannabis use among those with ptsd
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2014Co-Authors: Marcel O Bonnmiller, Kimberly A. Babson, Ryan VandreyAbstract:Abstract Background The use of Cannabis for medical purposes is proliferating in the U.S., and PTSD is an explicitly approved condition for accessing medical Cannabis in 5 states. Prior research suggests that people with PTSD often use Cannabis to help cope with their condition, and that doing so results in more frequent and problematic Cannabis use patterns. Specific coping motivations, such as sleep improvement, among medical Cannabis users, have not been examined. Methods The present study evaluated specific coping use motivations, frequency of Cannabis and alcohol use, and mental health among a convenience sample of patients (N = 170) at a medical Cannabis dispensary in California. Results Those with high PTSD scores were more likely to use Cannabis to improve sleep, and for coping reasons more generally, compared with those with low PTSD scores. Cannabis use frequency was greater among those with high PTSD scores who used for sleep promoting purposes compared with those with low PTSD scores or those who did not use for sleep promoting purposes. Conclusions Consistent with prior research, this study found increased rates of coping-oriented use of Cannabis and greater frequency of Cannabis use among medical users with high PTSD scores compared with low PTSD scores. In addition, sleep improvement appears to be a primary motivator for coping-oriented use. Additional research is needed to examine the health consequences of this pattern of Cannabis use and whether alternative sleep promoting interventions (e.g. CBT-I) could reduce the reliance on Cannabis for adequate sleep among those with PTSD.
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posttraumatic stress disorder and Cannabis use characteristics among military veterans with Cannabis dependence
American Journal on Addictions, 2013Co-Authors: Matthew Tyler Boden, Kimberly A. Babson, Anka A Vujanovic, Nicole A Short, Marcel O BonnmillerAbstract:Background and Objectives The present study is the first to explore links between PTSD and Cannabis use characteristics immediately prior to a Cannabis quit attempt, including motives, use problems, withdrawal, and craving. Methods Measures of PTSD diagnosis, symptom severity, and Cannabis use characteristics were administered to a sample of Cannabis dependent military veterans (n = 94). Hypotheses were tested with a series of analyses of variance and covariance and hierarchical multiple regressions with Bonferroni corrections. Analyses were conducted with and without adjusting for variance shared with substance use (Cannabis, alcohol, tobacco) in the previous 90 days, and co-occurring mood, anxiety, and substance use diagnoses. Results and Conclusions Compared to participants without PTSD, participants with PTSD reported significantly increased: (a) use of Cannabis to cope, (b) severity of Cannabis withdrawal, and (c) experiences of craving related to compulsivity, emotionality, and anticipation, with findings regarding coping and craving remaining significant after adjusting for covariates. Among the total sample, PTSD symptom severity was positively associated with (a) use of Cannabis to cope, (b) Cannabis use problems, (c) severity of Cannabis withdrawal, and (d) experiences of craving related to compulsivity and emotionality, with findings regarding withdrawal and emotion-related craving remaining significant after adjusting for covariates. Thus, links between PTSD and using Cannabis to cope, severity of Cannabis withdrawal, and especially craving appear robust across measures of PTSD and analytical method. Scientific Significance The results of this study provide support for models that posit a pernicious feedback loop between PTSD symptomatology and Cannabis use. (Am J Addict 2013; 22:277–284)
Julia D Buckner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the association between perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis use problems Cannabis withdrawal symptoms and self efficacy for quitting Cannabis the explanatory role of pain related affective distress
Addictive Behaviors, 2018Co-Authors: Kara Manning, Michael J Zvolensky, Julianna Hogan, Julia D Buckner, Andrew H Rogers, Jafar Bakhshaie, Joseph W DitreAbstract:Abstract Rates of Cannabis use and related problems continue to rise, ranking as the third most common substance use disorder in the United States, behind tobacco and alcohol use. Past work suggests that perceived distress tolerance is related to several clinically significant features of Cannabis use (e.g., coping-oriented use). However, there has been little exploration of the mechanisms that may underlie relations between perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis use problems, withdrawal severity, and self-efficacy for quitting. The current study sought to examine the experience of pain, which frequently co-occurs with Cannabis use ( Ashrafioun, Bohnert, Jannausch, & Ilgen, 2015 ), as an underlying factor in the relation between perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis related problems among 203 current Cannabis-using adults (29.2% female, M = 37.7 years, SD = 10.2, 63% African American). Results indicated that perceived distress tolerance via pain related affective distress significantly predicted the severity of Cannabis use problems (Pm = 0.60), degree of Cannabis withdrawal (Pm = 0.39), and lower self-efficacy for quitting Cannabis (Pm = 0.36). Future work may usefully explore the role of pain-related affective distress as a mechanistic factor in the context of perceived distress tolerance-Cannabis relations.
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negative affectivity as a mechanism underlying perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis use problems barriers to cessation and self efficacy for quitting among urban Cannabis users
Addictive Behaviors, 2018Co-Authors: Kara Manning, Michael J Zvolensky, Daniel J Paulus, Julianna Hogan, Julia D Buckner, Samantha G FarrisAbstract:Cannabis use rates continue to rise in the United States and currently Cannabis is among the most widely used substances in the world. Cannabis use is associated with several mental health problems, low educational attainment, low income, and underemployment. The current study explored the tendency to experience negative affect (negative affectivity) as a factor accounting for the association between perceived distress tolerance and problems related to the use of Cannabis. Participants included 203 urban adult daily Cannabis users (29.2% female, M=37.7years, 63% African American). Results indicated that there was a significant indirect effect of distress tolerance via negative affectivity in terms of Cannabis use problems (b=-0.58, 95%CI [-1.14, -0.21]), Cannabis withdrawal (b=-0.65, 95%CI [-1.36, -0.21]), self-efficacy for quitting (b=-0.83, 95%CI [-1.85, -0.22]), and perceived barriers for Cannabis cessation (b=-0.71, 95%CI [-1.51, -0.24]). The present data provide novel empirical evidence suggesting negative affectivity may help explain the relation between perceived distress tolerance and an array of clinically significant Cannabis use processes. Intervention programming for daily Cannabis users may benefit from targeting negative affectivity to facilitate change in Cannabis use processes among users who tend to perceive that they are less capable of tolerating distress.
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college Cannabis use the unique roles of social norms motives and expectancies
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 2013Co-Authors: Julia D BucknerAbstract:Objective:Given that the majority of college Cannabis use occurs in social situations, descriptive norms (beliefs about others’ use) and injunctive norms (others’ approval of risky use) may be particularly relevant to Cannabis-related behaviors. Yet, little research has examined the unique impact of these norms on one’s own behaviors when accounting for the variance attributable to other relevant cognitive factors. The current study is the first known investigation of the unique impact of social norms, Cannabis use motives, and Cannabis effect expectancies on Cannabis use.Method:Data came from 223 (64.1% female) current Cannabis-using undergraduates who completed an online questionnaire in exchange for psychology-course research credit.Results:Descriptive norms regarding friends (not students in general) and injunctive norms (friends and parents) were related to Cannabis use frequency. Descriptive norms (friends, not students in general) and injunctive norms (friends, not parents) were related to Cannabis...
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social anxiety and Cannabis use an analysis from ecological momentary assessment
Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2012Co-Authors: Julia D Buckner, Ross D Crosby, Stephen A Wonderlich, Norman B SchmidtAbstract:Individuals with elevated social anxiety appear especially vulnerable to Cannabis-related problems, yet little is known about the antecedents of Cannabis-related behaviors among this high-risk population. The present study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the relations among social anxiety, Cannabis craving, state anxiety, situational variables, and Cannabis use in the natural environment during ad-lib Cannabis use episodes. Participants were 49 current Cannabis users. During the two-week EMA period, social anxiety significantly interacted with Cannabis craving to predict Cannabis use both cross-sectionally and prospectively. Specifically, individuals with higher social anxiety and craving were most likely to use Cannabis. There was a significant social anxiety x state anxiety x others' use interaction such that when others were using Cannabis, those with elevations in both trait social anxiety and state anxiety were the most likely to use Cannabis.
Michael J Zvolensky - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the association between perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis use problems Cannabis withdrawal symptoms and self efficacy for quitting Cannabis the explanatory role of pain related affective distress
Addictive Behaviors, 2018Co-Authors: Kara Manning, Michael J Zvolensky, Julianna Hogan, Julia D Buckner, Andrew H Rogers, Jafar Bakhshaie, Joseph W DitreAbstract:Abstract Rates of Cannabis use and related problems continue to rise, ranking as the third most common substance use disorder in the United States, behind tobacco and alcohol use. Past work suggests that perceived distress tolerance is related to several clinically significant features of Cannabis use (e.g., coping-oriented use). However, there has been little exploration of the mechanisms that may underlie relations between perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis use problems, withdrawal severity, and self-efficacy for quitting. The current study sought to examine the experience of pain, which frequently co-occurs with Cannabis use ( Ashrafioun, Bohnert, Jannausch, & Ilgen, 2015 ), as an underlying factor in the relation between perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis related problems among 203 current Cannabis-using adults (29.2% female, M = 37.7 years, SD = 10.2, 63% African American). Results indicated that perceived distress tolerance via pain related affective distress significantly predicted the severity of Cannabis use problems (Pm = 0.60), degree of Cannabis withdrawal (Pm = 0.39), and lower self-efficacy for quitting Cannabis (Pm = 0.36). Future work may usefully explore the role of pain-related affective distress as a mechanistic factor in the context of perceived distress tolerance-Cannabis relations.
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negative affectivity as a mechanism underlying perceived distress tolerance and Cannabis use problems barriers to cessation and self efficacy for quitting among urban Cannabis users
Addictive Behaviors, 2018Co-Authors: Kara Manning, Michael J Zvolensky, Daniel J Paulus, Julianna Hogan, Julia D Buckner, Samantha G FarrisAbstract:Cannabis use rates continue to rise in the United States and currently Cannabis is among the most widely used substances in the world. Cannabis use is associated with several mental health problems, low educational attainment, low income, and underemployment. The current study explored the tendency to experience negative affect (negative affectivity) as a factor accounting for the association between perceived distress tolerance and problems related to the use of Cannabis. Participants included 203 urban adult daily Cannabis users (29.2% female, M=37.7years, 63% African American). Results indicated that there was a significant indirect effect of distress tolerance via negative affectivity in terms of Cannabis use problems (b=-0.58, 95%CI [-1.14, -0.21]), Cannabis withdrawal (b=-0.65, 95%CI [-1.36, -0.21]), self-efficacy for quitting (b=-0.83, 95%CI [-1.85, -0.22]), and perceived barriers for Cannabis cessation (b=-0.71, 95%CI [-1.51, -0.24]). The present data provide novel empirical evidence suggesting negative affectivity may help explain the relation between perceived distress tolerance and an array of clinically significant Cannabis use processes. Intervention programming for daily Cannabis users may benefit from targeting negative affectivity to facilitate change in Cannabis use processes among users who tend to perceive that they are less capable of tolerating distress.
Ryan Vandrey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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cannabidiol cbd content in vaporized Cannabis does not prevent tetrahydrocannabinol thc induced impairment of driving and cognition
Psychopharmacology, 2019Co-Authors: Thomas R Arkell, Ryan Vandrey, Johannes G Ramaekers, Nicholas Lintzeris, Richard C Kevin, Christopher Irwin, Paul S Haber, Iain S McgregorAbstract:The main psychoactive component of Cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can impair driving performance. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating Cannabis component, is thought to mitigate certain adverse effects of THC. It is possible then that Cannabis containing equivalent CBD and THC will differentially affect driving and cognition relative to THC-dominant Cannabis. The present study investigated and compared the effects of THC-dominant and THC/CBD equivalent Cannabis on simulated driving and cognitive performance. In a randomized, double-blind, within-subjects crossover design, healthy volunteers (n = 14) with a history of light Cannabis use attended three outpatient experimental test sessions in which simulated driving and cognitive performance were assessed at two timepoints (20–60 min and 200–240 min) following vaporization of 125 mg THC-dominant (11% THC; < 1% CBD), THC/CBD equivalent (11% THC, 11% CBD), or placebo (< 1% THC/CBD) Cannabis. Both active Cannabis types increased lane weaving during a car-following task but had little effect on other driving performance measures. Active Cannabis types impaired performance on the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST), Divided Attention Task (DAT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) with impairment on the latter two tasks worse with THC/CBD equivalent Cannabis. Subjective drug effects (e.g., “stoned”) and confidence in driving ability did not vary with CBD content. Peak plasma THC concentrations were higher following THC/CBD equivalent Cannabis relative to THC-dominant Cannabis, suggesting a possible pharmacokinetic interaction. Cannabis containing equivalent concentrations of CBD and THC appears no less impairing than THC-dominant Cannabis, and in some circumstances, CBD may actually exacerbate THC-induced impairment.
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Cannabis use patterns and motives a comparison of younger middle aged and older medical Cannabis dispensary patients
Addictive Behaviors, 2017Co-Authors: Nancy A Haug, Adrienne J Heinz, Ryan Vandrey, James Sottile, Claudia B Padula, Marcel O BonnmillerAbstract:Abstract Introduction Medical Cannabis is increasingly being used for a variety of health conditions as more states implement legislation permitting medical use of Cannabis. Little is known about medical Cannabis use patterns and motives among adults across the lifespan. Methods The present study examined data collected at a medical Cannabis dispensary in San Francisco, California. Participants included 217 medical Cannabis patients who were grouped into age-defined cohorts (younger: 18–30, middle-aged: 31–50, and older: 51–72). The age groups were compared on several measures of Cannabis use, motives and medical conditions using one-way ANOVAs, chi-square tests and linear regression analyses. Results All three age groups had similar frequency of Cannabis use over the past month; however, the quantity of Cannabis used and rates of problematic Cannabis use were higher among younger users relative to middle-aged and older adults. The association between age and problematic Cannabis use was moderated by age of regular use initiation such that earlier age of regular Cannabis use onset was associated with more problematic use in the younger users, but not among older users. Middle-aged adults were more likely to report using medical Cannabis for insomnia, while older adults were more likely to use medical Cannabis for chronic medical problems such as cancer, glaucoma and HIV/AIDS. Younger participants reported Cannabis use when bored at a greater rate than middle-aged and older adults. Conclusions Findings suggest that there is an age-related risk for problematic Cannabis use among medical Cannabis users, such that younger users should be monitored for Cannabis use patterns that may lead to deleterious consequences.
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using Cannabis to help you sleep heightened frequency of medical Cannabis use among those with ptsd
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2014Co-Authors: Marcel O Bonnmiller, Kimberly A. Babson, Ryan VandreyAbstract:Abstract Background The use of Cannabis for medical purposes is proliferating in the U.S., and PTSD is an explicitly approved condition for accessing medical Cannabis in 5 states. Prior research suggests that people with PTSD often use Cannabis to help cope with their condition, and that doing so results in more frequent and problematic Cannabis use patterns. Specific coping motivations, such as sleep improvement, among medical Cannabis users, have not been examined. Methods The present study evaluated specific coping use motivations, frequency of Cannabis and alcohol use, and mental health among a convenience sample of patients (N = 170) at a medical Cannabis dispensary in California. Results Those with high PTSD scores were more likely to use Cannabis to improve sleep, and for coping reasons more generally, compared with those with low PTSD scores. Cannabis use frequency was greater among those with high PTSD scores who used for sleep promoting purposes compared with those with low PTSD scores or those who did not use for sleep promoting purposes. Conclusions Consistent with prior research, this study found increased rates of coping-oriented use of Cannabis and greater frequency of Cannabis use among medical users with high PTSD scores compared with low PTSD scores. In addition, sleep improvement appears to be a primary motivator for coping-oriented use. Additional research is needed to examine the health consequences of this pattern of Cannabis use and whether alternative sleep promoting interventions (e.g. CBT-I) could reduce the reliance on Cannabis for adequate sleep among those with PTSD.
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the dose effects of short term dronabinol oral thc maintenance in daily Cannabis users
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2013Co-Authors: Ryan Vandrey, Marilyn A Huestis, Maxine L Stitzer, Miriam Z Mintzer, Jeannie MurrayAbstract:Abstract Background Prior studies have separately examined the effects of dronabinol (oral THC) on Cannabis withdrawal, cognitive performance, and the acute effects of smoked Cannabis. A single study examining these clinically relevant domains would benefit the continued evaluation of dronabinol as a potential medication for the treatment of Cannabis use disorders. Methods Thirteen daily Cannabis smokers completed a within-subject crossover study and received 0, 30, 60 and 120 mg dronabinol per day for 5 consecutive days. Vital signs and subjective ratings of Cannabis withdrawal, craving and sleep were obtained daily; outcomes under active dose conditions were compared to those obtained under placebo dosing. On the 5th day of medication maintenance, participants completed a comprehensive cognitive performance battery and then smoked five puffs of Cannabis for subjective effects evaluation. Each dronabinol maintenance period occurred in a counterbalanced order and was separated by 9 days of ad libitum Cannabis use. Results Dronabinol dose-dependently attenuated Cannabis withdrawal and resulted in few adverse side effects or decrements in cognitive performance. Surprisingly, dronabinol did not alter the subjective effects of smoked Cannabis, but Cannabis-induced increases in heart rate were attenuated by the 60 and 120 mg doses. Conclusions Dronabinol's ability to dose-dependently suppress Cannabis withdrawal may be therapeutically beneficial to individuals trying to stop Cannabis use. The absence of gross cognitive impairment or side effects in this study supports safety of doses up to 120 mg/day. Continued evaluation of dronabinol in targeted clinical studies of Cannabis treatment, using an expanded range of doses, is warranted.
