Cannabis Withdrawal Among Non‐Treatment‐Seeking Adult Cannabis Users*

Abstract

This study investigates the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome in 104 adult, non‐treatment‐seeking, primarily cannabis users who reported at least one serious attempt to stop using cannabis. Retrospective self‐report data were obtained on eighteen potential cannabis withdrawal symptoms derived from the literature, including co‐occurrence, time course, and any actions taken to relieve the symptom. Study findings provide evidence for the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome, based on the high prevalence and co‐occurrence of multiple symptoms that follow a consistent time course and that prompt action by the subjects to obtain relief, including serving as negative reinforcement for cannabis use.