Cannabis smoking impairs driving performance on the simulator and real driving: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

Micallef, Joëlle; Dupouey, Julien; Jouve, Élisabeth; Truillet, Romain; Lacarelle, Bruno; Taillard, Jacques; Daurat, Agnès; Authié, Colas; Blin, Olivier; Rascol, Olivier; Philip, Pierre; Mestre, Daniel

doi:10.1111/fcp.12382

Cited by 39 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Measuring ECG and EEG in association with cannabisinduced impairment in real-world activities such as driving poses several dangers and limitations. However, prior studies have demonstrated that driving simulators are a safe and suitable method for measuring EEG activity during acute cannabis intoxication (Micallef et al 2018). Previous work by the authors of this study identified potential biomarkers indicative of acute marijuana intoxication.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 83%

EEG biomarkers acquired during a short, straight-line simulated drive to predict impairment from cannabis intoxication

Brown

Richard

Meghdadi

et al. 2020

Traffic Injury Prevention

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Objective: As cannabis use becomes more widely accepted, there is growing interest in its effects on brain function, specifically how it may impact daily functional activities such as driving, operating machinery, and other safety-related tasks. There are currently no validated methods for quantifying impairment from acute cannabis intoxication. The objective of this study was to identify neurophysiological correlates associated with driving simulator performance in subjects who were acutely intoxicated with cannabis. These signatures could help create an EEG-based profile of impairment due to acute cannabis intoxication. Methods: Each subject completed a three-visit study protocol. Subjects were consented and screened on the first visit. On the second and third visits, subjects were administered either 500 mg of cannabis with 6.7% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or placebo using a Volcano# Digit Vaporizer in a counterbalanced fashion. EEG was acquired from subjects as they performed a series of neurocognitive tasks and an approximately 45-minute simulated drive that included a rural straight-away absent of any other cars or obstacles during the final 10 minutes. EEG data was acquired using a STAT X24 wireless sensor headset during a simulated driving scenario from 10 subjects during the THC and placebo visits. Metrics of driving performance were extracted from the driving simulator and synchronized with EEG data using a common clock. Results: A within-subjects analysis showed that the standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) was significantly worse and heart rate was elevated during the dosed visit compared to the placebo visit. Consistent with our prior findings, EEG power in the Theta frequency band (4-7 Hz) in the dosed condition was significantly decreased from the placebo condition. Theta power was negatively correlated with the SDLP driving performance metric, while there were no significant correlations between any EEG measure and SDLP in the placebo condition. Conclusions: These results, in combination with prior work on the effect of cannabis intoxication during neurocognitive tasks, suggest that neurophysiological signatures associated with acute cannabis intoxication are robust and consistent across tasks, and that these signatures are significantly correlated with impaired performance in a driving simulator. Taken together, EEG data acquired during a short neurocognitive testbed and during a simulated drive may provide specific profiles of impairment associated with acute cannabis intoxication. Further research is needed to establish the impaired cognitive processes associated with these EEG biomarkers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 83%

EEG biomarkers acquired during a short, straight-line simulated drive to predict impairment from cannabis intoxication

Brown

Richard

Meghdadi

et al. 2020

Traffic Injury Prevention

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“…The concerns about the lack of scientific knowledge are well-founded, as are the concerns regarding driving safety. 25 - 27 Given the variability in regulation of CBD and THC among states and in contrast to federal policy, the uncertainties about potency and dosing, as well as access to cannabis, the concerns about addiction and societal impacts are also understandable. We are hopeful that the concerns raised in these comments will help future research as our laws continue to evolve.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use and Reported Helpfulness of Cannabinoids Among Primary Care Patients in Vermont

Wershoven

Kennedy

MacLean

2020

J Prim Care Community Health

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Introduction: While cannabis has been medically legal in Vermont since 2004 and recreationally legal since 2018 there has been minimal published research regarding the use and practices in the adult population. This gap in understanding results in primary care providers having difficulty navigating conversations surrounding cannabinoid use. The purpose of this research was to identify current use and perceptions of cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), in adult primary care patients in Vermont. Methods: An anonymous written survey was given to 1009 Vermont primary care patients aged 18 years and older. All measures were patient-reported and included use of CBD and THC products, perceived helpfulness for certain medical conditions, knowledge of CBD and THC, perceived knowledge of their provider, and concerns regarding cannabis legalization. Results: 45% of adult primary care patients reported using cannabinoids in the past year. Only 18% of patients reported their provider as being a good source of information regarding cannabis. Of the patients who used cannabis in the past year, a majority reported it helpful for conditions such as anxiety and depression, arthritis, pain, sleep, and nausea. Conclusions: Primary care providers need to be knowledgeable about cannabinoids to best support patient care. In addition, with a significant number of patients reporting cannabinoids helpful for medical conditions common in primary care, it is important that research continue to identify the potential benefits and harms of cannabis.

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“…Moreover, users of marijuana, in particular heavy users, are more likely to have problems with use of alcohol and other drugs [53]. It has been demonstrated that acute marijuana smoking impairs driving performance [54], with an increase in motor vehicle fatalities linked to marijuana legalization [55]. Both short-term [56] and long-term [57] use can lead to cognitive performance decline.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic Marijuana Smoking Does Not Negatively Impact Select Blood Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Young, Physically Active Men and Women

Butawan¹,

Smith²

2018

Health

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Background: The smoking of Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant, is increasing in popularity among young adults, even those who may be engaged in regular exercise (i.e., athletes). Research has shown the plant to have antioxidant and analgesic properties, but the effects on oxidative stress are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to measure blood oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic parameters in physically active men and women who regularly smoke marijuana. Methods: A total of 43 marijuana smokers (23 ± 4 years) and 22 non-smokers (24 ± 7 years), who did not smoke tobacco products, participated in this study. Both smokers and non-smokers engaged in regularly exercise, totaling several hours per week (6.4 ± 4.0 and 6.8 ± 4.4, respectively). Smokers reported using marijuana frequently during the week (4.5 ± 2.3 sessions) for a minimum of three consecutive months prior to participating in the study. Blood samples were collected from participants following a 12-hour fast (all food, drink [except water] and smoking) and analyzed for malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Heart rate and blood pressure was also measured and recorded. Results: No differences of statistical significance were noted for any variable (p > 0.05), with very similar values noted between smokers and non-smokers. Conclusions: In a sample of young, physically active men and women, regular marijuana smoking is not associated with untoward effects on select biomarkers of oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic health. These findings do not suggest that marijuana smoking can be done without harm, as limitations of this study need to be considered.

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Cannabis smoking impairs driving performance on the simulator and real driving: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

Cited by 39 publications

References 44 publications

EEG biomarkers acquired during a short, straight-line simulated drive to predict impairment from cannabis intoxication

EEG biomarkers acquired during a short, straight-line simulated drive to predict impairment from cannabis intoxication

Use and Reported Helpfulness of Cannabinoids Among Primary Care Patients in Vermont

Chronic Marijuana Smoking Does Not Negatively Impact Select Blood Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Young, Physically Active Men and Women

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