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Marijuana carry-over effects on aircraft pilot performance.
V O Leirer1, J A Yesavage, D G Morrow
1Decision Systems, Stanford, CA 94305.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Moderate marijuana use can impair piloting skills for up to 24 hours, even when users are unaware of lingering effects. This study highlights potential risks associated with delta-9-THC consumption and complex task performance.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Psychology
- Pharmacology
- Human Factors
Background:
- Marijuana use is prevalent, raising concerns about its impact on safety-critical professions.
- Understanding the duration of cognitive impairment from delta-9-THC is crucial for occupational safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the residual effects of a moderate marijuana dose on piloting performance.
- To determine the duration of impairment and user awareness after smoking delta-9-THC.
Main Methods:
- Nine active pilots participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- Pilots completed simulated flight tasks at various intervals (0.25, 4, 8, 24, 48 hours) after smoking a standardized marijuana cigarette (20 mg delta-9-THC) or placebo.
Main Results:
- Significant piloting performance deficits were observed at 0.25, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-marijuana use.
- Seven out of nine pilots exhibited impairment at the 24-hour mark.
- Only one pilot reported subjective awareness of impairment at 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- A moderate dose of marijuana can cause significant, unperceived performance impairment for up to 24 hours.
- These findings underscore the potential risks of marijuana use in complex human-machine operations, like piloting.
- Further research is needed to establish safe re-engagement times after cannabis consumption.