Investigating the effects of a craving induction procedure on cognitive bias in cannabis users

In tobacco smokers and heavy drinkers, the manipulation of subjective craving influences the biased cognitive processing of substance-related cues. In the present study, we used a within-subjects design to examine the effects of a cannabis craving-induction procedure (imagery scripts and cannabis-related videos) on craving and cognitive biases for cannabis cues, in a sample of regular cannabis users (N = 33). Results indicated that the craving induction procedure produced the predicted increases in subjective craving (as assessed with the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire), although the effect size was small, and effects were not maintained for the duration of the laboratory session. Although cognitive biases (attentional, approach, and perceived pleasantness) were observed for cannabis-related cues relative to control stimuli, these were not significantly influenced by the craving manipulation. Theoretical implications and methodological issues are discussed