Physical Performance Impairment with Cannabis Consumption in Adults Over 12 Hours

Area of Science:

• Cannabis research
• Human performance studies
• Occupational health

Background:

• Assessing cannabis-induced impairment is crucial for safety-sensitive roles.
• Understanding the duration of physical performance deficits after acute cannabis use is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the magnitude and duration of physical performance impairment following acute cannabis consumption.
• To correlate blood cannabinoid levels with functional deficits.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight adult cannabis users underwent baseline and 1, 6, and 12-hour post-smoking assessments.
• Evaluated subjective intoxication, vital signs, psychomotor function, muscle strength, balance, and endurance.
• Measured blood concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Carboxy-THC.

Main Results:

• Blood THC peaked at 1 hour and decreased by 6 hours; Carboxy-THC showed little change.
• Cannabis use increased heart rate and blood pressure, elevated muscle force variability, and reduced force development rate.
• Balance and endurance were impaired for up to 12 hours post-use.

Conclusions:

• Acute cannabis use leads to prolonged physical performance impairments, including deficits in balance and endurance, lasting up to 12 hours.
• Functional impairments persist even as subjective intoxication diminishes, highlighting risks for safety-sensitive occupations.
• These findings underscore the need for clear guidelines regarding cannabis use and occupational safety.