Assessing need for marijuana dependence treatment through an anonymous telephone interview

In response to public service announcements directed at adult chronic marijuana users who were concerned about their smoking, 225 individuals were interviewed anonymously by telephone. This study was conducted to determine if a population of chronic dysfunctional marijuana users existed who were both interested in being treated and not concurrently abusing alcohol and/or other psychoactive drugs. Most of the callers (73.8%) were experiencing adverse consequences associated only with marijuana use rather than in combination with other substances. Most (92%) expressed interest in being treated, while very few (18%) had ever been seen in a drug or alcohol treatment program.