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Cannabis And Depression Research
Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jul 2005
Source: River Cities' Reader (IA)
Section: City Shorts, Pg 2
Copyright: 2005 River Cities' Reader
Contact: http://www.rcreader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/366
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Note: Title by MAP Editor
CANNABIS AND DEPRESSION RESEARCH
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws reports
that adults who use cannabis report suffering from less-severe
incidents and/or symptoms of depression than non-users, according to
survey data published last month in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed survey
results from 4,400 adults who had completed The Center for
Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (a numerical, self-report
scale designed to assess symptoms of depression in the general
population). Authors compared "depression scores" among those who
consumed cannabis daily, once a week or less, or never in their
lives. "Despite comparable ranges of scores on all depression
subscales, those who used once per week or less had less depressed
mood, more positive affect, and fewer somatic (physical) complaints
than non-users," the authors wrote. "Daily users [also] reported less
depressed mood and more positive affect than non-users. ... These
data suggest that adults apparently do not increase their risk for
depression by using marijuana," researchers concluded.
For more information, look at (http://www.norml.org).
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MAP posted-by: Beth