Depersonalization after marijuana smoking.

Depersonalization and other behavioral and physiological indices were monitored before and after the administration of high- and low-potency marijuana cigarettes and a placebo cigarette in 35 physically and mentally healthy normal volunteers. The cigarettes were administered under double-blind conditions during three visits to the laboratory separated by a minimum of 1 week. Marijuana smoking, but not placebo smoking, was associated with significant depersonalization that was maximal 30 min after smoking the high-potency cigarettes. Other behavioral changes induced by marijuana included disintegration of time sense, sensation of "high," increased state anxiety, tension, anger, and confusion. Respiration, pulse rate, and systolic blood pressure also increased after marijuana smoking. Multiple regression identified temporal disintegration as the most significant predictor of depersonalization.

Duke Scholars

Author William Herman Wilson Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...