Alcohol and marijuana: comparison of use and abuse in regular marijuana users

Alcohol and marijuana use were compared in 97 regular marijuana users who had used marijuana for 6-8 years. Although onset of alcohol use had occurred 3 years before marijuana use, current usage patterns of the two drugs were similar. Nine subjects met criteria for marijuana abuse and 9 met criteria for alcoholism. Although both drugs were used frequently by these subjects, most reported few or no problems from their use.