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Doobie-doobie-don’t: quitting pot is like quitting cigs, study finds

January 28th, 2008 · 2 Comments

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/andibee/marijuanapic.jpgBad news for people who love “Good News for People who Love Bad News” (and O.A.R. and Umphrey’s McGee and Phish and probably even Dave Matthew’s Band…): Research suggests that withdrawal from heavy marijuana use is similar to cigarette withdrawal. Lame, bruh. So lame.

Since the drafting of the DSM-IV in 1994, an increasing number of studies have surfaced suggesting that cannabis has significant withdrawal symptoms. What makes Vandrey’s recent study unique is that it is the first study that compares marijuana withdrawal symptoms to withdrawal symptoms that are clinically recognized by the medical community - specifically the tobacco withdrawal syndrome.

Researchers found that users cut off from their weed reported withdrawal symptoms like irritability, appetite change and depressed mood with the same intensity as tobacco quitters. Sleep disturbance seemed to be more severe during marijuana abstinence.

One would think this is a blow to those who support legalization of marijuana. And to those arguing that legal cigarettes are more harmful than illegal marijuana (a case of the pot calling the kettle black, eh?). What’s next, cannabis gum and marijuana patches for those trying to quit?

Tags: drugs · research

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 the3lb // Jan 28, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    The study you reference was based on the grand total of 12 (yes not even a “baker’s dozen) individuals who “self reported”. There was no testing for physical signs of actual withdraw the best we can tell . . .

    I’ve quit smoking cigarettes, and I’ve quit smoking doobie - pot - weed - herb - ganja - cannabis, call it what you like. There’s no similarity between the two in my eyes.

    Quitting nicotine was a terribly difficult ordeal, and I was quite motivated having just been diagnosed with emphysema! And nearly a decade later there are still days when the craving returns.

    Quitting smoking pot was a walk in the park by comparison.

    As they say on TV - your mileage may vary - but the experience here flies in the face of what’s being reported in that study.

  • 2 andibee // Jan 28, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    You’re right, the study had huge limitations. My understanding was that the researchers wanted to prove that if we’re going to have all these means to help people quit cigarettes, we should acknowledge that marijuana withdrawal exists and have means to help with it, too.

    But I totally agree, anecdotal evidence really seems to disagree with their conclusions. And I can say that just having seen friends quit one or the other or both. Thanks a lot for commenting.

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