The addictive potential of cannabis.

The author reviews the literature on the dependence potential of cannabis. Case studies and experiments of tolerance to cannabis as well as psychological and physical dependence on cannabis are presented in man and in laboratory animals. Some effects common to both species are also recorded. Although the addictive potential of cannabis is often compared with the addictive potential of alcohol and tobacco, the author concludes that the characteristics of cannabis tolerance are similar to those of opiate dependence.