Medicinal Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol) impairs on‐the‐road driving performance of occasional and heavy cannabis users but is not detected in Standard Field Sobriety Tests

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.03928.x
• Publication Date: 2012-05-04T11:10:24Z
• Authors: Wendy M. Bosker; Kim P. C. Kuypers; Eef L. Theunissen; Anke Surinx; Roos J. Blankespoor; Gisela Skopp; Wayne K. Jeffery; H. Chip Walls; Cees J. van Leeuwen; Johannes G. Ramae...
• Keywords: Dronabinol; Tetrahydrocannabinol

The acute and chronic effects of dronabinol [medicinal Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] on actual driving performance the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) were assessed. It was hypothesized that occasional users would be impaired these tests heavy show less impairment due to tolerance.Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, three-way cross-over study. Twelve 12 cannabis (14 males/10 females) received single doses placebo, 10 20 mg dronabinol.Standard deviation lateral position (SDLP; i.e. weaving) is primary measure road-tracking control. Time speed adaptation (TSA) reaction-time in car-following test. Percentage individuals SFST subjective high a visual analogue scale secondary measures.Superiority showed SDLP (P = 0.008) TSA 0.011) increased after users. Equivalence demonstrated dronabinol-induced increments bigger than associated with BAC 0.5 mg/ml users, although magnitude generally did not discriminate between conditions. Levels comparable users.Dronabinol (medicinal tetrahydrocannabinol) impairs dose-dependent way, but lesser degree possibly tolerance. sensitive clinically relevant caused by oral tetrahydrocannabinol.