Casual Versus Heavy Use of Marijuana: A Redefinition of the Marijuana Problem

Abstract

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.