Alcohol, marijuana, and mood states in young women

Potential predictors of 8 Profile of Mood States (POMS) factor scores were examined for 30 young women (mean age = 26.4 years). Prospective data were obtained from diary questionnaires and POMS ratings submitted daily during 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Behavioral and social variables (heavy versus light marijuana smoking, consumption of both marijuana and alcohol on a given day, stress, and sexual activity) were stronger mood factor predictors than temporal or biological variables (weekends or menstrual cycle phase). Heavy marijuana users consistently reported higher negative moods and lower positive moods than light marijuana users.