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Godbole S, Leroux A, Brooks-Russell A, Subramanian PS, Kosnett MJ, Wrobel J. A Study of Pupil Response to Light as a Digital Biomarker of Recent Cannabis Use. Digit Biomark 2024; 8:83-92. [PMID: 38682092 PMCID: PMC11052563 DOI: 10.1159/000538561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Given the traffic safety and occupational injury prevention implications associated with cannabis impairment, there is a need for objective and validated measures of recent cannabis use. Pupillary light response may offer an approach for detection. Method Eighty-four participants (mean age: 32, 42% female) with daily, occasional, and no-use cannabis use histories participated in pupillary light response tests before and after smoking cannabis ad libitum or relaxing for 15 min (no use). The impact of recent cannabis consumption on trajectories of the pupillary light response was modeled using functional data analysis tools. Logistic regression models for detecting recent cannabis use were compared, and average pupil trajectories across cannabis use groups and times since light test administration were estimated. Results Models revealed small, significant differences in pupil response to light after cannabis use comparing the occasional use group to the no-use control group, and similar statistically significant differences in pupil response patterns comparing the daily use group to the no-use comparison group. Trajectories of pupillary light response estimated using functional data analysis found that acute cannabis smoking was associated with less initial and sustained pupil constriction compared to no cannabis smoking. Conclusion These analyses show the promise of pairing pupillary light response and functional data analysis methods to assess recent cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneeta Godbole
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew Leroux
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ashley Brooks-Russell
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Prem S. Subramanian
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael J. Kosnett
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Julia Wrobel
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ortiz-Peregrina S, Oviedo-Trespalacios O, Ortiz C, Anera RG. Self-Regulation of Driving Behavior Under the Influence of Cannabis: The Role of Driving Complexity and Driver Vision. HUMAN FACTORS 2023; 65:1506-1524. [PMID: 34601949 DOI: 10.1177/00187208211047799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study analyzed the self-regulation behaviors of drivers under the influence of cannabis and its relationship with road complexity and some driver traits, including visual deterioration. BACKGROUND Cannabis is the illicit drug most often detected in drivers; its use results in significant negative effects in terms of visual function. Self-regulation behaviors involve the mechanisms used by drivers to maintain or reduce the risk resulting from different circumstances or the driving environment. METHODS Thirty-one young, occasional cannabis users were assessed both in a baseline session and after smoking cannabis. We evaluated the visual function (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) and driver self-regulation variables of both longitudinal and lateral control as the speed adaptation and standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP). RESULTS Visual function was significantly impaired after cannabis use. Recreational cannabis use did not result in self-regulation, although some road features such as curved roads did determine self-regulation. Male participants adopted mean faster driving speeds with respect to the speed limit. Driver age also determined better lateral control with lower SDLPs. In addition, visual impairment resulting from cannabis use (contrast sensitivity) was linked with self-regulation by changes in longitudinal and lateral control. CONCLUSION Contrast sensitivity could be a good indicator of individual visual status to help determine how drivers self-regulate their driving both in normal conditions and while under the influence of cannabis. APPLICATION The findings provide new insights about driver self-regulation under cannabis effects and are useful for policy making and awareness campaigns.
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Steinhart B, Brooks-Russell A, Kosnett MJ, Subramanian PS, Wrobel J. A Video Segmentation Pipeline for Assessing changes in Pupil Response to Light After Cannabis Consumption. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533144. [PMID: 36993434 PMCID: PMC10055178 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Due to long-standing federal restrictions on cannabis-related research, the implications of cannabis legalization on traffic and occupational safety are understudied. Accordingly, there is a need for objective and validated measures of acute cannabis impairment that may be applied in public safety and occupational settings. Pupillary response to light may offer an avenue for detection that outperforms typical sobriety tests and THC concentrations. We developed a video processing and analysis pipeline that extracts pupil sizes during a light stimulus test administered with goggles utilizing infrared videography. The analysis compared pupil size trajectories in response to a light for those with occasional, daily, and no cannabis use before and after smoking. Pupils were segmented using a combination of image pre-processing techniques and segmentation algorithms which were validated using manually segmented data and found to achieve 99% precision and 94% F-score. Features extracted from the pupil size trajectories captured pupil constriction and rebound dilation and were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. We find that acute cannabis use results in less pupil constriction and slower pupil rebound dilation in the light stimulus test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Steinhart
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ashley Brooks-Russell
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael J. Kosnett
- Department of Medicine, CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Prem S. Subramanian
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Julia Wrobel
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Effects of psychotropic drugs on ocular parameters relevant to traffic safety: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104831. [PMID: 35995080 PMCID: PMC10067018 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Driving is a complex neurobehavioural task necessitating the rapid selection, uptake, and processing of visual information. Eye movements that are critical for the execution of visually guided behaviour such as driving are also sensitive to the effects of psychotropic substances. The Embase (via Ovid), EBSCOHost, Psynet, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were examined from January 01st, 2000 to December 31st, 2021. Study selection, data extraction and Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB2) assessments were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The review was prospectively registered (CRD42021267554). In total, 36 full-text articles examined the effects of six principal psychotropic drug classes on measures of oculomotor parameters relevant to driving. Centrally depressing substances affect oculomotor responses in a dose-dependent manner. Psychostimulants improve maximal speed, but not accuracy, of visual search behaviours. Inhaled Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) increases inattention (saccadic inaccuracy) but does not consistently affect other oculomotor parameters. Alterations to composite ocular parameters due to psychoactive substance usage likely differently compromises performance precision during driving through impaired ability to select and process dynamic visual information.
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Yates CF, Huang JY, Protti DA. Tonic Endocannabinoid Levels Modulate Retinal Signaling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12460. [PMID: 36231760 PMCID: PMC9566182 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is critically involved in the modulation of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, playing an important role in the control of emotional responses, neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity among other functions. The eCB system is also present in the retina, with studies indicating changes in function after application of cannabinoid receptor agonists, antagonists and in knockout models. Whether eCBs are tonically released in the retina and their physiological functions is, however, still unknown. We investigated the role of the eCB system in the modulation of response strength of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to light stimulation, their receptive field organization, contrast sensitivity and excitability properties by performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse RGCs before and after bath application of URB597, an inhibitor of the enzyme that degrades the eCB anandamide. Our results show that URB597 application leads to a reduction in the strength of synaptic inputs onto RGCs but paradoxically increases RGC excitability. In addition, URB597 was shown to modulate receptive field organization and contrast sensitivity of RGCs. We conclude that tonically released eCBs modulate retinal signaling by acting on traditional cannabinoid receptors (CB1R/CB2R) as well as on non-cannabinoid receptor targets. Thus, a thorough understanding of the effects of drugs that alter the endogenous cannabinoid levels and of exogenous cannabinoids is necessary to fully comprehend the impact of their medical as well as recreational use on vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F. Yates
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Jin Y. Huang
- School of Medical Sciences (Education Innovation), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dario A. Protti
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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TROJAN V, LANDA L, HRIB R, JURICA J, RYCHLICKOVA J, ZVONICEK V, HALAMKOVA L, HALAMEK J, DEMLOVA R, BELASKOVA S, SLIVA J. Assessment of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in saliva and blood after oral administration of medical cannabis with respect to its effect on driving abilities. Physiol Res 2022; 71:703-712. [PMID: 36121021 PMCID: PMC9841804 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medical cannabis has recently been legalized in many countries, and it is currently prescribed with increasing frequency, particularly for treatment of chronic pain resistant to conventional therapy. The psychoactive substance delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) contained in cannabis may affect driving abilities. Therefore, the aims of this study (open-label, monocentric, nonrandomized) were to evaluate blood and saliva concentrations of THC after oral administration of medical cannabis and to assess the time needed for THC levels to decline below a value ensuring legal driving. The study involved 20 patients with documented chronic pain using long-term medical cannabis therapy. They were divided into two groups and treated with two different doses of cannabis in the form of gelatin capsules (62.5 mg or 125 mg). In all patients, the amount of THC was assessed in saliva and in blood at pre-defined time intervals before and after administration. THC levels in saliva were detected at zero in all subjects following administration of both doses at all-time intervals after administration. Assessment of THC levels in blood, however, showed positive findings in one subject 9 h after administration of the lower dose and in one patient who had been given a higher dose 7 h after administration. Our finding suggested that for an unaffected ability to drive, at least 9-10 h should elapse from the last cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav TROJAN
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leos LANDA
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan HRIB
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic,Centre for Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan JURICA
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic,Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka RYCHLICKOVA
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav ZVONICEK
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka HALAMKOVA
- Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA
| | - Jan HALAMEK
- Institute for Forensic Science, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA
| | - Regina DEMLOVA
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic,Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie BELASKOVA
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri SLIVA
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Comparison of the effects of alcohol and cannabis on visual function and driving performance. Does the visual impairment affect driving? Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109538. [PMID: 35717788 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and cannabis are the most widely consumed psychoactive substances worldwide. This study compared the effects of alcohol and cannabis on visual function and driving performance, as well as self-perceived effects. Also, the relationship between visual effects under the influence and driving performance was studied. METHODS Sixty-four young drivers, with a history of alcohol and/or cannabis use were included. Of these, 33 were allocated to the alcohol group and 31 to the cannabis group. All participants were evaluated in a baseline session. The alcohol group underwent two sessions: after drinking 300 ml and 450 ml of red wine (A1 and A2). The cannabis group attended one session after smoking cannabis (C). Visual function was evaluated at the contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity, and intraocular straylight level. Participants drove a driving simulator. A general score (overall visual score, OVS; overall driving performance score, ODPS) was obtained for both visual functioning and driving performance. RESULTS The evaluation of visual function demonstrated a significant impairment in OVS for all conditions studied (A1, p = 0.005; A2, p < 0.001; C, p < 0.001) with respect to the baseline session. General driving performance (ODPS) demonstrated a significant worsening for the A2 condition (p = 0.003). Finally, a significant relationship between driving performance and visual function was found (rho=0.163, p = 0.039 and χ2 = 4.801, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS Cannabis and alcohol use negatively impact visual function. However, driving performance was only significantly affected by the higher alcohol dose. This impairment in visual function was significantly associated with worse driving performance.
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8
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Bjork JM, Keyser-Marcus L, Vassileva J, Ramey T, Houghton DC, Moeller FG. Attentional function and inhibitory control in different substance use disorders. Psychiatry Res 2022; 313:114591. [PMID: 35533472 PMCID: PMC9177751 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Attentional function in substance use disorder (SUD) is not well understood. To probe attentional function in SUD as a function of primary substance of abuse, we administered the attentional network task (ANT) to 44 individuals with Cocaine Use Disorder (CoUD), 49 individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder (CaUD), 86 individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), and 107 controls with no SUD, along with the stop-signal task (SST). The ANT quantifies the effects of (temporal) alerting cues and (spatial) orienting cues to reduce reaction time (RT) to targets, as well as probing how conflicting (target-incongruent) stimuli slow RT. The SST quantifies individuals' ability to inhibit already-initiated motor responses. After controlling for sex representation and age, OUD and CaUD participants showed blunted alerting effects compared to controls, whereas CaUD and CoUD participants showed greater stimulus conflict (flanker) effects. Finally, CoUD participants showed a trend toward increased orienting ability. In SST performance, no SUD group showed a prolonged stop-signal reaction compared to controls. However, the OUD group (and CoUD group at trend level) showed prolonged "go" RT to targets and reduced hit rates. These data indicate differences in attentional function in persons with SUD as a function of the primary substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Bjork
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA,Address correspondence to: James M. Bjork, Associate Professor, Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 203 E Cary St, Room 202, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Phone: (301) 351-4143,
| | - Lori Keyser-Marcus
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmin Vassileva
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Tatiana Ramey
- Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David C. Houghton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - F. Gerard Moeller
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Marcotte TD, Umlauf A, Grelotti DJ, Sones EG, Sobolesky PM, Smith BE, Hoffman MA, Hubbard JA, Severson J, Huestis MA, Grant I, Fitzgerald RL. Driving Performance and Cannabis Users' Perception of Safety: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:201-209. [PMID: 35080588 PMCID: PMC8792796 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.4037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Expanding cannabis medicalization and legalization increases the urgency to understand the factors associated with acute driving impairment. OBJECTIVE To determine, in a large sample of regular cannabis users, the magnitude and time course of driving impairment produced by smoked cannabis of different Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the effects of use history, and concordance between perceived impairment and observed performance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel randomized clinical trial took place from February 2017 to June 2019 at the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, University of California San Diego. Cannabis users were recruited for this study, and analysis took place between April 2020 and September 2021. INTERVENTIONS Placebo or 5.9% or 13.4% THC cannabis smoked ad libitum. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point was the Composite Drive Score (CDS), which comprised key driving simulator variables, assessed prior to smoking and at multiple time points postsmoking. Additional measures included self-perceptions of driving impairment and cannabis use history. RESULTS Of 191 cannabis users, 118 (61.8%) were male, the mean (SD) age was 29.9 (8.3) years, and the mean (SD) days of use in the past month was 16.7 (9.8). Participants were randomized to the placebo group (63 [33.0%]), 5.9% THC (66 [34.6%]), and 13.4% THC (62 [32.5%]). Compared with placebo, the THC group significantly declined on the Composite Drive Score at 30 minutes (Cohen d = 0.59 [95% CI, 0.28-0.90]; P < .001) and 1 hour 30 minutes (Cohen d = 0.55 [95% CI, 0.24-0.86]; P < .001), with borderline differences at 3 hours 30 minutes (Cohen d = 0.29 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.60]; P = .07) and no differences at 4 hours 30 minutes (Cohen d = -0.03 [95% CI, -0.33 to 0.28]; P = .87). The Composite Drive Score did not differ based on THC content (likelihood ratio χ24 = 3.83; P = .43) or use intensity (quantity × frequency) in the past 6 months (likelihood ratio χ24 = 1.41; P = .49), despite postsmoking blood THC concentrations being higher in those with the highest use intensity. Although there was hesitancy to drive immediately postsmoking, increasing numbers (81 [68.6%]) of participants reported readiness to drive at 1 hour 30 minutes despite performance not improving from initial postsmoking levels. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Smoking cannabis ad libitum by regular users resulted in simulated driving decrements. However, when experienced users control their own intake, driving impairment cannot be inferred based on THC content of the cigarette, behavioral tolerance, or THC blood concentrations. Participants' increasing willingness to drive at 1 hour 30 minutes may indicate a false sense of driving safety. Worse driving performance is evident for several hours postsmoking in many users but appears to resolve by 4 hours 30 minutes in most individuals. Further research is needed on the impact of individual biologic differences, cannabis use history, and administration methods on driving performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02849587.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anya Umlauf
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - David J. Grelotti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - Emily G. Sones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - Philip M. Sobolesky
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Breland E. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego,LetsGetChecked Labs, Monrovia, California
| | - Melissa A. Hoffman
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego,Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, California
| | - Jacqueline A. Hubbard
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | | | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Institute for Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Igor Grant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego
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Casares-López M, Castro-Torres JJ, Ortiz-Peregrina S, Martino F, Ortiz C. Changes in Visual Performance under the Effects of Moderate-High Alcohol Consumption: The Influence of Biological Sex. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6790. [PMID: 34202674 PMCID: PMC8297204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in visual functions under the effects of moderate-high breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs), and the influence of biological sex on visual deterioration, considering different factors. A total of 37 healthy habitual alcohol users were enrolled in the experiment. The participants underwent a baseline session and a second session after an intake of 450 mL of red wine, so that all of them reached a BrAC above 0.25 mg/L. Visual performance was assessed by measuring the contrast sensitivity function, the halo perception, the stereopsis, and finally the retinal image quality. A Visual Deterioration Score (VDS) was calculated using the deterioration of these visual variables. All visual functions analyzed were significantly impaired following alcohol consumption (p < 0.05). The VDS was associated with the BrAC (ρ = -0.476). The VDS was also significantly higher in females, with the BrAC having a significant effect on the variability of the VDS in males and females (p < 0.05). However, the body mass index showed no significant effect (p > 0.05). Visual functions were significantly impaired under the influence of alcohol, and this deterioration was greater in females. The deterioration depends on the BrAC reached, being the primary thing responsible for the differences observed between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Casares-López
- Laboratory of Vision Sciences and Applications, Department of Optics, Facultad de Ciencias (Edificio Mecenas), University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (S.O.-P.); (F.M.); (C.O.)
| | - José J. Castro-Torres
- Laboratory of Vision Sciences and Applications, Department of Optics, Facultad de Ciencias (Edificio Mecenas), University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (S.O.-P.); (F.M.); (C.O.)
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Aggressive Driving Behaviours in Cannabis Users. The Influence of Consumer Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18083911. [PMID: 33917856 PMCID: PMC8068208 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study analysed dangerous driving behaviours in twenty young occasional cannabis users through objective and self-reported data, studying the relationship between the two aspects. Visual function was assessed in a baseline session and after smoking cannabis, as well as speed-related behaviour in a driving simulator. The participants responded to questionnaires on sociodemographic factors, their consumption profile, and the incidence of dangerous behaviours (Dula Dangerous Driving Index; DDDI). After cannabis use, the results revealed a significant deterioration in visual function. In terms of speed management, they showed significantly greater acceleration force in the two different sections of the route, and they drove significantly faster. Our correlations indicate that males and heavier users display more risky speed management. Likewise, the heavier cannabis users admitted to increased dangerous driving behaviour, and an accident in the preceding year was associated with a trend towards aggressive driving behaviour according to the DDDI questionnaire. The findings of this study suggest that cannabis users adopt dangerous behaviours when driving, despite the effect this drug has on certain important functions, such as vision. The results suggest a need for awareness-raising and information campaigns.
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Abstract
The aim of this review is to discuss recent evidence on cannabis and driving ability. In particular, the review examines experimental research on the acute effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on driving-related neurobehavioral skills and driving performance based on simulator and road course studies. The evidence indicates that certain driving abilities are significantly, albeit modestly, impaired in individuals experiencing the acute effects of THC. Treatment effects are moderated by dose, delivery method, recency of use, and tolerance development, with inconclusive evidence concerning the moderating influence of cannabidiol. Emerging research priorities include linking neurobehavioral deficits to specific decrements in driving performance, estimating the real-world implications of experimental impaired driving research, understanding how tolerance differentially affects driving impairment across subgroups, and developing more evidence on cannabidiol's potential role in mitigating THC-induced impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Sevigny
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, 55 Park Place NE, Suite 519, Atlanta, GA, 30303, United States.
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