Review of the Literature on Marijuana and Interpersonal Violence

• NCJ Number: 209577
• Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: January-February 2005 Pages: 171-192
• Author(s): Todd M. Moore; Gregory L. Stuart
• Date Published: January 2005
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This review of the empirical and theoretical literature on the link between marijuana and violence includes discussions of theoretical models, the connection between marijuana use and interpersonal violence, and violence in the context of marijuana withdrawal.

Abstract

Hart et al. (2001) suggested that acute marijuana use is related to difficulties in inhibiting inappropriate responses and is indicative of executive cognitive impairments. These cognitive impairments may have significant implications for explaining the link between marijuana use and violence; for example, acute and chronic marijuana use may decrease the user's ability to process complex stimuli in a rational manner, thus limiting the user's ability to respond appropriately in the course of arguments and interpersonal conflicts, leading to primitive aggressive behavior. Other factors in marijuana use that may be related to violent behavior are an increased heart rate, panic reactions, and paranoid feelings. In elaborating on these connections between marijuana effects and violent behavior, this article examines research conducted within the past 30 years that has shown a significant relationship between marijuana use and interpersonal violence. The topics addressed are theories on the relationship between marijuana use and violence, marijuana use and nonintimate violence, marijuana use and intimate partner violence, laboratory studies, and violent behavior as one of the symptoms of withdrawal from marijuana use. The article concludes with the presentation of a proposed integrated model of marijuana use and violence. The authors believe this model has greater utility and flexibility than previous models due to its emphasis on the potential role of developmental variables and historical experiences in determining the effects of marijuana on the user's behavior and choices. This proposed model has yet to be tested to determine its relative validity and utility. Suggestions are offered for further research. 112 references