Consistent with previous findings [44], the present study indicates that abstinence from marijuana use precipitates withdrawal in daily smokers. Abstinence from marijuana use also produces significant increases in withdrawal, craving and negative affect. In addition, the findings from the present study indicate that exposure to marijuana cues (e.g. sight and smell of a used marijuana bong) increase craving above and beyond craving levels due to withdrawal. The results indicate that 5 days of abstinence has a highly significant impact on variables such as withdrawal, negative affect and craving. Given that significant withdrawal, negative affect and craving are often conceptualized as predictors of treatment success, these variables may represent useful targets, both in the context of gene association studies as well as studies that seek to identify medications that may be used to treat cannabis dependence.
