Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders 3rd ed - R. Frances, S. Miller, A. Mack (Guilford, 2005) WW

Marijuana, Hallucinogens,and Club DrugsCHAPTER 8DAVID MCDOWELLHallucinogens consist of a disparate group of psychoactive substances, andinclude 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), hallucinogens, ketamine,and marijuana. They differ in terms of administration, mechanism of action,and effect. In many cases, they are used by groups of younger people and aretaken in various combinations with each other and other classes of substances,usually in social settings (often at “raves” [see Bellis, Hale, Bennett, Chaudry,& Kilfoyle, 2000] or other parties). At some of these events, a substantialmajority of rave participants are using MDMA, ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyricacid (GHB), or other drugs, such as marijuana and D-lysergic aciddiethylamide (LSD). In addition, at times inhalants are used at these events(Lee & McDowell, 2003; McDowell & Kleber, 1994; Winstock, Griffiths, &Stewart, 2001). Polysubstance might be considered the norm at such events,with over 80% of participants using more than one substance (Boys, Lenton, &Norcross, 1997; Winstock et al., 2001). Although the demographics and settingsof use have changed, these substances remain significant clinical problems.MARIJUANAMarijuana refers to the dried-out leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the hempplant, Cannabis sativa. The plant is a common weed that grows freely in mostareas of the world. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is also probably the most157