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Interaction between marihuana and ethanol: effects on psychomotor performance
M Perez-Reyes1, R E Hicks, J Bumberry
1Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27514.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Marihuana significantly worsened alcohol-induced driving impairment, acting additively or synergistically. However, alcohol did not affect marihuana
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ethanol and marihuana are frequently used together.
- Understanding their combined effects on cognitive and psychomotor performance is crucial for public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between ethanol and marihuana.
- To assess effects on drug plasma concentrations, intoxication ratings, heart rate, and psychomotor performance.
Main Methods:
- Placebo-controlled, single-blind, latin-square crossover study.
- Six healthy male volunteers received varying doses of ethanol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- Measured variables included subjective intoxication, heart rate, Simulator Evaluation of Drug Impairment (SEDI) performance, blood ethanol, and plasma THC concentrations.
Main Results:
- Marihuana significantly enhanced ethanol-induced decrements in driving-related skills in an additive or synergistic manner.
- Ethanol administration prior to marihuana smoking did not significantly alter subjective intoxication, heart rate, or THC plasma levels.
Conclusions:
- Combined use of ethanol and marihuana poses a greater risk to driving ability than either substance alone.
- The interaction primarily affects psychomotor performance, with less impact on subjective intoxication or drug concentrations.