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This experiment was designed to remove certain methodological ambiguities and to test, in addition to the effect of different reward magnitudes, the effect of different schedules of reward for counterattitudinal advocacy on subsequent attitude change. Subjects, whose pretreatment attitude score reflected a favorable attitude toward marijuana, were induced to write arguments against marijuana for either a low or a high reward, dispensed under either a continuous or a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement. Differences between pre- and posttreatment attitude scores indicated that, in general, reward magnitude had little or no effect on attitude change; whereas the schedule of reward did affect attitude change significantly. Variable ratio reinforcement subjects evidenced more attitude change than the continuous reinforcement subjects. These findings suggested that the reinforcement schedule variable might be a more appropriate variable to study than the reward magnitude variable in evaluating the views of both dissonance and reward-conflict theories' regarding the effect of reward for counterattitudinal advocacy on attitude change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was intended to discern any correlations between marijuana and human sexual activity. I was specifically interested in exploring the concept that the drug might produce different effects on males and females in regard to their sexual activity. Finally, I was concerned with the dosage of the drug which would produce the most pronounced effect on the majority of the users in regard to their sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses cannabis use amongst university students in Great Britain. It presents an initial prevalence survey intended to reveal the extent to which cannabis had been used by students and how often, and a detailed questionnaire designed to look at similarities and differences amongst different kinds of users and non users. The findings are discussed in three contexts: demographic and background factors, including social, family, educational and personal background factors; some broad attitudinal, behavioural and personality indices; and, conventional drug use and some attitudes to drug use generally.

Marijuana intoxication and the effects of centrally acting anticholinergic agents show a number of common behavioral properties in man. We have recently administered physostigmine, a centrally acting acetylcholinesterase iuhibitor to two marijuana intoxicated patients. In both cases physostigmine antagonized the marijuana "high" and induced a profound clinical depressive reaction. This depressive reaction was antagonized by administration of 1 -0 mg atropine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two large representative samples of high school students were examined for their frequency of adverse reactions to marijuana and frequency of recurrences of marijuana effects in a non-drug state. Both adverse reactions and recurrences were found to be higher than might be expected in non- clinical populations. Upward of 1 in 5 students had experienced "anxiety, confusion or other unpleas- ant effects" on marijuana, and upward of 1 in 7 students had experienced a recurrence of marijuana effects while not using the drug. Evidence was presented that reports of recurrences were not limited to cases of multiple drug use but occurred among marijuana users who bad not used other halluci- nogenic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between four levels of marijuana use and two forms of alienation (personal and societal). Marijuana use was significantly related to societal alienation but not to personal alienation. It was also found that heavy marijuana users perceived themselves to be more open to legal and societal harassment. Finally it was found that value hierarchies differed as a function of marijuana use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on proscription and acceptance of drug-taking habits in the Netherlands. The Netherlands, like many other West-European countries, witnessed a rapid increase in the illicit use of cannabis products and some other drugs in the middle of the "sixties." In the densely populated area situated in the immediate vicinity of some of the world's biggest ports, cases of marihuana use as reported by the police doubled in frequency in each successive year from 1965 to 1968. Alarmed by these and similar reports from of abroad, the Dutch authorities decided to sponsor research into the imminent mass use (or abuse) of drugs. Operating from the Institute of Social Medicine in Amsterdam (Director: Professor A. Querido), H. Cohen penetrated the drug scene in the Netherlands' big cities and succeeded in collecting data from over 950 illicit drug-users. A large majority of the 958 persons from whom Cohen obtained his data, namely 92 per cent, used hashish in the three months preceding the interview; 73 per cent referred to marihuana; 42 per cent used amphetamines; 24 per cent L.S.D., and 20 per cent opium or its derivates.

This article presents abstracts of several researches on political science. In the Quantitative Gas Chromatographic Determination of Heroin in Illicit Samples study published in the "Journal of Association of Official Analytical Chemistry," a gas-liquid chromatographic method is described for the quantitative determination of heroin in the presence of opium alkaloids. The method uses trimethyl silyl derivatives. The method described cannot be used in the presence of quinine and codeine. Meanwhile, the results of a comparison of plant species bearing cystolith hairs are presented in a research entitled Forensic Aspects of Cystolith Hairs of Cannabis and Other Plants. The plant species were examined microscopically and by the Duquenois test. Photomacrographs demonstrating the similarity of the cystolith hairs found on marijuana leaves and some of the plant species studied by the author are presented. Some of these plant species also give a blue to purple color in the Duquenois test. This demonstrates the importance of extracting the purple Duquenois color in marijuana examinations. On the other hand, according to the author of The Evaluation of Autopsy Blood Alcohol Levels research, alcohol concentration in blood samples taken at autopsy are valid up to 48 hours after death when simple principles of collection and storage are observed.

The article presents police science technical abstracts and notes. The Criminogenic Action of Cannabis (Marihuana) and Narcotics, by M. Andrade, wherein the author can find no evidence to classify cannabis as a narcotic. Recent Advances in the Chemical Research of Cannabis, by L. Grlic which is a review of the literature on separation of components of marihuana resin. Fingerprint Photography, Painting with Specular Reflection, by F. V. Woodward, which suggested that fingerprints on round objects can be photographed by painting the surface with light using the minimum diaphragm opening. Larceny of Poultry, by S. S. Kind, R. A. Outteridge and E. A. Kilner which examined the contents of the gizzards of stolen poultry, comparing this with control specimens, which may serve to identify the source of poultry. Shoe Impressions in Snow, by R. D. Ostler, which outlined a simple procedure, using a cooled plaster of Paris mix, for casting impressions in snow. Mobile Criminals and Organized Crime, by J. King which suggested that offenses committed using a car should carry heavier sentences than offenses without a car. Death From Chlorpromazine Poisoning, by A. Fatteh which reported the anatomical and histological findings in the death of a 67 year old woman by chlorpromazine.

The article presents a discussion on Marihuana, a drug, the use of which results in a sense of exhiliration; pleasurable intoxication; peculiar prolongation of time; sense of double consciousness followed by drowsiness; anesthesia; loss of power, particularly of the lower extremities; pupils dilated; pulse rapid; respiration slow; may cause increased sexual desires; catalepsy; sometimes convulsions. It is known most generally in the United States by the Mexican name, Marihuana, because it was introduced into the U.S. by Mexicans. In general, the effects of Marihuana upon the smoker may be divided into various stages, of which the first and briefest is customarily a violent fit of coughing, which is due to the irritant effect of the smoke on the bronchial mucous membrane. This stage soon passes and gives way to the second, which is in general that of exhiliration. During this period the drug affects the higher nervous centers; diminishing fatigue and fear and inducing a feeling of great well-being, exhiliration and strength. The barrier of control over the emotions is lowered and the smoker may commence to boast, shout or dance.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative predictive value of data on marijuana use, student types, and more conventional background traits on a number of dependent variables of interest to researchers of student culture. Data on 344 college students (62 percent of whom have smoked marijuana) indicate that drug use is a sensitive independent variable which may rove fruitful in much needed educational research on an important subcultural student movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the medical evidences related to the effect of marijuana upon an individual. The clinical effects of marijuana include the following: perceptual, cognitive and organic cerebral changes. An important characteristic of perceptual effects is that they occur in an alert consciousness and so are remembered clearly. The result is that the effects of marijuana can subtly alter the user's attitudes even after he has come down off his high. The user of marijuana often feels that he has suddenly developed deep understanding of grave problems. He tends to develop a sense of superiority, dogmatism and omnipotence.

One of the major reasons why we fail to combat the present drug dependencies is because we try to simply deal with the dependency as stick. We do not take into consideration that there are a variety of addictions which should be treated in different ways according to their specific characters. In an effort to make these matters understandable, one can paint to the two major types of dependency, that of marijuana and that of heroin. Such a basic differentiation however, cannot stop simply after establishing this fact To be really factual and concrete one must go further and, distinguish specific reaction types of such major drugs. In this way we have to distinguish three types of marijuana and four types of heroin dependencies. The purpose of this study is to present in detail and with exemplifictions the three kinds of marijuana dependencies and to offer certain basic directions for the specific therapy which ought to be applied to theta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the debate on whether cannabis is harmless or not continues it is helpful to record the casualties of its increasingly widespread use. A report is given of the occurrence of a prolonged psychosis in a University student in which cannabis smoking was thought to be a significant aetiological factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report on 50 adolescent drug abusers seen in Dublin is presented. 84 per cent were male and 80 per cent were Irish. Their school achievement was poor and 62 per cent displayed frequent mitching in their last school year. This occurred prior to the onset of drug taking. Their work records were also unsatisfactory, jobs being changed frequently while 60 per cent were unemployed for inert than one year of an average working life of four years. In 40 per cent of the families one of the parents, usually the father, was dead or absent. The family size was larger than the national average while in 70 per cent, one of the members was using drugs in the course of legitimate treatment or illegally. The majority of the sample began using drugs in their post school-leaving year. Cannabis and LSD were the two drugs most commonly used. 48 per cent had rued drugs intravenously. 46 per cent had used drugs for more than three years . Data obtained from the Cattell 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire suggested that this was generally a personality disorder group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little data to indicate what factors arc associated with the continuing use of the mildly toxic drug, cannabis. The present study attempts to delineate some of the reinforcing properties of the drug that supports its habitual use. Physiological responses of subjects, who had used the drug for at least 5 years, were obtained before and after the use of cannabis. The results are consistent with the interpretation of cannabis as an anxiety agent and that the motivational factors associated with habitual use are related to anxiety reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the prevalence of chronic hashish psychoses as cases of schizophrenia complicated by symptoms of cannabis intoxication. Association of severe behavior disorder with marijuana smoking; Commonality of marijuana smoking in the Western region; Details on the direct toxic effect of drugs on the brain.

Argues against the basis for the prohibition on the use of marijuana in the U.S. Similarity between the reasons for indulging in sex and using drugs and marijuana; Consequence of imposing a prohibition on all substances; Therapeutic and positive uses of marijuana.

The article describes four cases where long term abuse of bhang, which is the mildest preparation of cannabis available in India, has been seen to be responsible for causing schizophrenia-like psychosis. The abuse of cannabis has long been regarded as an important cause of psychosis and mental deterioration in India. The four cases describes demonstrates the varying grades and intensity of behavioral disturbances which may result from chronic bhang abuse. All the cases showed a disturbance in thinking and perception in a state of clear consciousness with little disturbance in memory. Also, the development of tolerance and dependency on bhang and its clinical implications are discussed.

The article discusses the survey conducted to illicit drug use among 1,088 adolescent girls who were admitted in remand home in London, England during 1966-1968. The staff has attempted to identify those girls who had taken illicit drugs in the month prior to their admission and all those admitted are asked to identify samples of drug preparations. Confirmatory information from court, social reports or from the laboratory analysis of urine specimens has also been obtained. In addition, a follow-up is conducted, wherein information which relates to further narcotic use, mental hospital admission and criminal convictions has been obtained.

It is asserted that the marijuana controversy is primarily a political, rather than a scientific, debate. It is a struggle to establish moral hegemony. Stances toward marijuana use and legalization are largely a manifestation of prior basic underlying ideological commitments. Scientific truth or falsity seem to have little or no impact on the positions taken—although both sides will invoke scientific findings and in fact will actually believe them—and have been preselected to verity a position already taken. Widely used concepts such as "drug abuse" reflect the ideological character of the controversy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the concerns about marijuana. Pharmacology of marijuana; Most detailed clinical account of marijuana intoxication; Its lethal dose; Prevalence of use in colleges and high schools.

Six patients with emotional disorders associated with the use of ganja, bhang, and hasbish, products prepared from Cannabis sativa var. indica, by Westeners in India are reported. The major psychiatric problems seen included anxiety reactions of moderate to severe intensity and psychotic reactions of schizophrenic and schizoaffective types. Our experience is compared with that recently reported by others and is found to be similar. The possibility that observed frequencies of serious adverse reactions to cannabis products in different areas may represent different segments of a dose-response curve to active isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol is discussed. Although current evidence by no means constitutes proof of a causal role for cannabis in emotional disturbance, it is suggested that, until there is further and definitive information as to the effects of cannabis products on the mental health of those who use them, a cautious attitude towards their widespread and unsupervised use is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marihuana identification presents no problem to the trained and experienced worker. Instrumental techniques and chromatography have supplemented microscopic and chemical color tests. The U. S. Commissioner of Narcotics advises that whole marihuana may not ordinarily be understood as falling within the category of a "narcotic drug", due regard must be given to the intended coverage of that term, as used in a particular statute. The only problem encountered by the author has been with questions relating to potency of individual specimens when small quantities of cannabis were submitted for examination. Reliable tests to assay the cannabis drug for potency await discovery. Some of the legal questions encountered during the writer's experience are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article focuses on the study which evaluates on drug-taking as a problem in Great Britain. The study used non-random methods to gather information from drug takers in non-clinical settings. It is stated that an anthropological technique called snowballing is employed to involve with drug-takers. The schedule for a standardized interview is applied to investigate family backgrounds, employment, education, social relationships, drug histories, living conditions, ideology and sexual behavior. The interview was assumed that the criterion would exclude those people who were experimenting and concentrating with greater involvement.

The simple chromatography system used by DeFaubert Maunder for effective resolution of marijuana or hashish has been proven to be accurate and sensitive for effective determination of charred cannabis constituents. This procedure can also be used to identify "roach" paper. Sensitivity, plus quickness of running time, along with accuracy, makes the procedure an invaluable tool for police intelligence purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an abstract of a study "Drug Use in Health and Mental Illness in an Indian Population." It highlights a census survey in the Agra region of India by a well-trained team of psychiatrists to investigate the well known hedonic use of cannabis indica and its effect on the mental health of the population. The use of drugs as intoxicants is said to be universal; however, hedonic use was found to have led to their abuse, which has been suspected as a cause of mental disorder.

Details the chemical composition and action of marijuana. Presence of varying mixtures of active and inactive cannabinoids; Identification of the isomer that has psychotomimetic activity in man; Use of chemical tests which give specific color changes in positive identification.

The spreading use of marijuana and other more potent stimulant drugs by young people is one of the sources of anxiety in the society. This article aims to address the following issues: (1) A single small dose of marijuana apparently does no lasting damage to some or psyche, but how many of those who try to develop into permanent users?; (2) Since indulgence in marijuana may be followed by graduation to other more potent drugs, is marijuana smoking as much as a problem as alcohol drinking? and; (3) Is it perhaps desirable to legalize the sale of marijuana that those who wish to smoke it may obtain purified preparations of known strength?

The article examines the problem of the identifying the term marijuana which were defined in scientific discussion and biochemically or pharmacologically carefully and clearly delineated. It is believed there is a void in discussing the toxicity of marijuana as far as pharmacologists were concerned. The objective of the ingestion, inhalation or injection of cannabis or hemp has been mind alteration and the hallucinogenic effects. The active ingredients of hemp are found in the resin which include cannabidiol, cannabinol and several tetrahydrocannabinols.

Presents an excerpt from the World Health Organization Technical Report Series "The Use of Cannabis".

Presents an excerpt from a Statement on Marijuana by the Committee on Youth of the American Academy of Pediatrics delivered on Feb. 1, 1972.

This article focuses on the effects of marijauna on the body. When marijuana is smoked there is initially apparent stimulation and exhilaration, followed by sedation, depression, drowsiness, and sleep. The neurophysiological effects are clumsiness, incoordination, and frequently ataxia. There may be analgesia of the skin, flushing of the face, pupillary dilatation, and a rise in the pulse rate and blood pressure. The effects on mood vary from extreme elation and exhilaration to depression, panic, and severe anxiety. In general, marijuana promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation. The use of marihuana does not in itself cause any mental or physical ill health, though it may lead to social and legal problems.