Anhedonia and Delay Discounting in Problematic Cannabis Users

Abstract

Depressive symptoms (e.g., anhedonia) have been observed in cannabis users. Alterations in delay discounting have been observed in depressed individuals. Steep discounting (i.e., impulsive choice) has been associated with tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine abuse, but not cannabis abuse. This study evaluated the association between anhedonia, cannabis use, and delay discounting. Participants (329 undergraduates) were assessed for marijuana use patterns (age of first use, weekly dose, MPS, DSM-V CUD), anhedonia (SHAPS), and delay discounting (impulsivity) using an online Qualtrics survey to determine the covariation among these variables. Anhedonia and measures of marijuana use were not significantly associated and neither measure was significantly associated with delay discounting. Significant correlations were observed primarily among marijuana use measures. In multiple regression analysis, neither anhedonia nor marijuana use amount was a significant predictor of delay discounting. A significant quadratic trend was observed for marijuana use amount on discounting, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship.