Withdrawal from marijuana, as with other addictive drugs, produces symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, depression, restlessness, sleep difficulty, and decreased appetite, all of which are alleviated when use recommences. A paper published in the journal Psychopharmacology (2003) examined the use of the drug nefazodone to treat anxiety associated with marijuana withdrawal and found that though it eased some symptoms of withdrawal the patients remained significantly agitated and uncomfortable. The authors noted that Nefazodone can caused blurred vision, dizziness, and light headedness, but stressed that more research was needed to determine if higher doses of the drug would be more effective in relieving withdrawal symptoms. They concluded by stating: “Given the mounting evidence of marijuana withdrawal symptoms, the vast numbers of daily users, and the difficulty treatment-seekers have in maintaining abstinence, it is clear that more behavioral and pharmacological treatment options for marijuana-dependent individuals are needed.”
This paper illuminates the addictiveness of marijuana, the difficulty of treatment and, unfortunately, the growing number of marijuana users [many of whom are now attaining the drug under the guise of medicinal use]. Delta-9 THC (Dronabinol) is the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is so highly addictive that it is outlawed in Europe, even as a prescription drug. Because of the high THC content of cannabis today (often ten+ times more potent than it was 20 years ago) addiction is likely to occur much more rapidly today than it has in the past and perhaps is associated with the plethora of adverse consequences leading to emergency medical and psychiatric episodes.
Source: Northwest Center for Health & Safety. Oregon. April 2003