Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
07:51
Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
Indicated prevention for college student marijuana use: a randomized controlled trial
Christine M Lee1, Jason R Kilmer, Clayton Neighbors
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. leecm@uw.edu
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|June 12, 2013
Summary
A brief motivational intervention effectively reduced marijuana use among college students. This study shows promising short-term results for college marijuana use reduction programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Substance Use Research
- Intervention Studies
Background:
- Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance on college campuses.
- Few studies have focused on interventions for high-risk marijuana use in this demographic.
- College students represent a key population for substance use prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an in-person brief motivational enhancement intervention.
- To reduce marijuana use and associated consequences among frequent college student users.
- To provide data on targeted interventions for college marijuana use.
Main Methods:
- 212 college students reporting frequent marijuana use were randomized.
- Intervention group received an in-person brief motivational enhancement.
- Control group received assessment only; follow-ups at 3 and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in weekly marijuana joints smoked in the intervention group.
- A trend towards fewer marijuana-related consequences at 3-month follow-up.
- Intervention demonstrated short-term efficacy in reducing use.
Conclusions:
- The brief motivational intervention shows preliminary success in reducing marijuana use.
- This approach offers a potential strategy for addressing college student marijuana use.
- Further research can build on these findings for long-term impact.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
02:01Group Design
The most basic experimental design involves two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The two groups are designed to be the same except for one difference— experimental manipulation. The experimental group gets the experimental manipulation—that is, the treatment or variable being tested—and the control group does not. Since experimental manipulation is the only difference between the experimental and control groups, we can be sure that any differences between the two are due to...
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Bioavailability studies are essential for evaluating a drug's therapeutic efficacy and understanding its absorption patterns under various physiological conditions. Conducting such studies on target patient populations provides more relevant data by simulating real-world disease states. However, practical challenges often necessitate the use of young, healthy adult volunteers as study subjects.Patients may exhibit altered drug absorption patterns due to the effects of the disease itself,...
01:12What is an Experiment?
An experiment is a planned activity carried out under controlled conditions. The purpose of an experiment is to investigate the relationship between two variables. When one variable causes change in another, we call the first variable the explanatory or independent variable. The affected variable is called the response or dependent variable. In a randomized experiment, the researcher manipulates values of the explanatory variable and measures the resulting changes in the response variable. The...
01:11Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
Bioavailability studies are essential for understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. These studies assess the extent and rate at which the active pharmaceutical agent becomes available at the site of action. The design of bioavailability studies can involve single-dose or multiple-dose regimens, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Single-dose studies are the preferred approach due to their simplicity and reduced drug exposure for...