Cannabis Effects on Driving-related Skills of Young Drivers

NCT ID: NCT01592409

Last Updated: 2019-02-11

Study Results

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Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

99 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2012-07-31

Study Completion Date

2016-09-30

Brief Summary

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Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for young people. The investigators have recently found that driving after using cannabis is more common among young Canadian drivers than driving after drinking. While this observation raises concerns, the effects of cannabis on driving-related skills in this age group are not well understood. As well, evidence suggests that residual effects of cannabis on driving-related skills may be observed up to 24 hours later. These residual effects may have important implications for the effects of cannabis use on collision risk, but little evidence on them in available. This study will examine the effects of a single dose of cannabis (marijuana) on driving-related skills immediately following consumption, 24 hours later, and 48 hours later. To date, the residual effect at 48 hours has not been examined. A total of 142 subjects aged 19 to 25 years old will be randomly assigned to smoke either a placebo or active cannabis cigarette (12.5% THC potency). Following an eligibility screening and practice session, participants will attend 3 testing days; drug-administration, 24-hour follow-up and 48-hour follow-up. The effects of cannabis/placebo on performance of driving-related skills using a high-fidelity driving simulator will be assessed on each testing day. The effects of cannabis on mood, cognition, memory and complex reaction time will also be assessed. Identifying factors that affect the collision risks experienced by young drivers is a public health priority. While many young people believe that cannabis does not impair driving, some recent studies suggest that these may be very dangerous beliefs. This study will provide important information on how cannabis may affect the driving skills of young drivers, to inform efforts to understand and address cannabis-related collision in this age group.

Detailed Description

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This study will test the prediction that residual effects of an acute dose of cannabis on driving-related skills will be observed in a group of young drivers 48 hours following a single dose of smoked cannabis, and will also examine the effects of an acute dose of cannabis on those skills using driving simulator technology.

Study Objectives

1. Examine the residual effects of a moderate dose of cannabis (12.5% THC) on driving simulator performance of young drivers. Simulated driving performance, tests of cognition, verbal memory, and mood will be measured concurrently with levels of cannabinoids in biological fluids at approximately 24 and 48 hours following acute drug exposure in male and female drivers aged 19 to 25. We will test the hypothesis that performance on a high-fidelity driving simulator task will be significantly impaired approximately 24 hours following a dose of cannabis in comparison to a placebo condition.
2. Examine the acute effects of a moderate dose of cannabis (12.5% THC) on driving simulator performance of young drivers. Simulated driving performance, tests of cognition, verbal memory, and mood will be measured concurrently with levels of cannabinoids in biological fluids before and after drug administration. Cannabinoid levels in biological fluids will be measured over a 6 hour period following drug exposure. We will examine the relationship of cannabinoid levels to performance measures in this time frame.
3. Explore the effects of driving history, driving attitudes, and individual difference measures (e.g., demographics, drug and alcohol use, etc.) on the acute and residual effects of cannabis on driving simulator performance of young drivers. Exploratory analyses will be undertaken to determine if the acute and residual effects of cannabis on the driving simulator task are influenced by these measures.
4. Determine if a relationship exists between genetics and THC response. As an ancillary aim, blood samples may be collected for future research to determine if a relationship exists between genetic polymorphisms and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses to cannabis.

Study Design and Duration

The study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled mixed-design study, including a randomized between-subjects comparison of the effects of smoked cannabis and both between- and within-subjects examination of its residual effects at 24 and 48 hours following one-time drug administration. Although a placebo condition is part of the study, this is not a treatment study.

Initial contact with potential subjects will be made via telephone, and study personnel will conduct a telephone screen for eligibility. Upon eligibility confirmation by telephone, participants will be asked to attend CAMH for an eligibility assessment. The study will consist of 5 sessions for each subject (an eligibility assessment, a practice day, and three subsequent testing days). Participants will be asked not to use cannabis for 48 hours prior to attending the practice day (Session 2). Although Session 1 can be completed at any time prior to the remaining study sessions, Sessions 2 - 5 must be performed on consecutive days.

In certain instances, the Qualified Investigator may ask a participant to return for re-screening, e.g. repeat of urine test or other assessments performed for eligibility assessment. Also, in case of unforeseen delays in scheduling study participation, the Qualified Investigator will determine if there is a need to ask a participant to repeat some assessments, e.g., physical examination.

Conditions

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Psychomotor Impairment

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Investigators

Study Groups

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Active cannabis

In this condition, participants will receive a cigarette containing 12.5% active THC.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Intervention Type DRUG

A single cannabis cigarette (potency 12.5% THC) will be given to participants to smoke over a 10 minute period, ad lib. If the cigarette is not smoked in its entirety, the remainder will be weighed to estimate dose.

Placebo

In this condition, participants will receive a cannabis cigarette where the active THC has been removed (contains 0% THC).

Group Type PLACEBO_COMPARATOR

Placebo

Intervention Type DRUG

A single placebo cannabis cigarette (0% THC) will be given to participants to smoke over a 10 minute period, ad lib. If the cigarette is not smoked in its entirety, the remainder will be weighed to estimate dose (as this is a double-blind study).

Interventions

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delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol

A single cannabis cigarette (potency 12.5% THC) will be given to participants to smoke over a 10 minute period, ad lib. If the cigarette is not smoked in its entirety, the remainder will be weighed to estimate dose.

Intervention Type DRUG

Placebo

A single placebo cannabis cigarette (0% THC) will be given to participants to smoke over a 10 minute period, ad lib. If the cigarette is not smoked in its entirety, the remainder will be weighed to estimate dose (as this is a double-blind study).

Intervention Type DRUG

Other Intervention Names

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cannabis sativa marijuana cannabis sativa marijuana

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Males and females aged 19 to 25
* Regular cannabis users (between one and four times per week)
* Held a valid class G or G2 Ontario driver's license (or equivalent from another jurisdiction) for at least 12 months.
* Willing to abstain from cannabis use for the duration of the study, and for 48 hours prior to Session 2.
* Provides written and informed consent
* Urine toxicology result positive for THC (indicating recent use of cannabis).

Exclusion Criteria

* Positive breathalyzer results for alcohol on any given study day.
* Is a regular user of medications that affect brain function (i.e., antidepressants, benzodiazepines, stimulants).
* Diagnosis of severe medical or psychiatric conditions.
* A first degree relative diagnosed with schizophrenia.
* Meets criteria for current or lifetime Substance Use Disorders (DSM-IV) with the exception of nicotine.
* Meets criteria for Cannabis Dependence (DSM-IV).
* Is pregnant, is trying to become pregnant, or is currently breastfeeding.


* Upon eligibility assessment, toxicology results indicate that the participant has not used cannabis recently.
* Any toxicology screen after Session 2 - Practice Day indicating a psychoactive substance has been used other than cannabis.
Minimum Eligible Age

19 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

25 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

OTHER_GOV

Sponsor Role collaborator

Health Canada

OTHER_GOV

Sponsor Role collaborator

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Robert Mann

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Robert Mann, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Bernard Le Foll, M.D., Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Locations

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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Site Status

Countries

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Canada

References

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Adlaf EM, Begin P, Sawka E. Canadian Addiction Survey (CAS): A national survey of Canadians' use of alcohol and other drugs: Prevalence of use and related harms: Detailed report. Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Cenre for Substance Abuse 2005

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Johnston LD, O'Malley PM, Backman JG, Schulenber JE. Monitoring the future: National results on adolescent drug use. Bethesda, MD.: National Institute on Drug Abuse 2009

Reference Type BACKGROUND

WHO - Programme on substance abuse. Cannabis: a health perspective and research agenda: World Health Organization 1997.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Chipman ML, Macdonald S, Mann RE. Being "at fault" in traffic crashes: does alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, or polydrug abuse make a difference? Inj Prev. 2003 Dec;9(4):343-8. doi: 10.1136/ip.9.4.343.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 14693897 (View on PubMed)

Brault M, Dussault C, Bouchard J, Lemire AM. The contribution of alcohol and other drugs among fatally injured drivers in Quebec: final results. Société de l'assurance automobile du Quebec 2002. Available from: http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/publications/dossiers_etudes/drogue_an.pdf

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Laumon B, Gadegbeku B, Martin JL, Biecheler MB; SAM Group. Cannabis intoxication and fatal road crashes in France: population based case-control study. BMJ. 2005 Dec 10;331(7529):1371. doi: 10.1136/bmj.38648.617986.1F. Epub 2005 Dec 1.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 16321993 (View on PubMed)

Siliquini R, Chiado Piat S, Gianino MM, Renga G. Drivers involved in road traffic accidents in Piedmont Region: psychoactive substances consumption. J Prev Med Hyg. 2007 Dec;48(4):123-8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 18557306 (View on PubMed)

Stoduto G, Vingilis E, Kapur BM, Sheu WJ, McLellan BA, Liban CB. Alcohol and drug use among motor vehicle collision victims admitted to a regional trauma unit: demographic, injury, and crash characteristics. Accid Anal Prev. 1993 Aug;25(4):411-20. doi: 10.1016/0001-4575(93)90070-d.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
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Drummer OH, Gerostamoulos J, Batziris H, Chu M, Caplehorn J, Robertson MD, Swann P. The involvement of drugs in drivers of motor vehicles killed in Australian road traffic crashes. Accid Anal Prev. 2004 Mar;36(2):239-48. doi: 10.1016/s0001-4575(02)00153-7.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 14642878 (View on PubMed)

Lacey JH, Kelley-Baker T, Furr-Holden D, Voas RB, Romano E, Ramirez A, et al. 2007 National roadside survey of alcohol and drug use by drivers: Drug results. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2009.

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Blows S, Ivers RQ, Connor J, Ameratunga S, Woodward M, Norton R. Marijuana use and car crash injury. Addiction. 2005 May;100(5):605-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01100.x.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15847617 (View on PubMed)

Asbridge M, Poulin C, Donato A. Motor vehicle collision risk and driving under the influence of cannabis: evidence from adolescents in Atlantic Canada. Accid Anal Prev. 2005 Nov;37(6):1025-34. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2005.05.006. Epub 2005 Jun 29.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15992751 (View on PubMed)

Adlaf EM, Mann RE, Paglia A. Drinking, cannabis use and driving among Ontario students. CMAJ. 2003 Mar 4;168(5):565-6.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 12615749 (View on PubMed)

Fischer B, Rodopoulos J, Rehm J, Ivsins A. Toking and driving: Characteristics of Canadian university students who drive after cannabis use - an exploratory pilot study. Drugs Ed Prev Policy 13:179-87, 2006

Reference Type BACKGROUND

O'Malley PM, Johnston LD. Drugs and driving by American high school seniors, 2001-2006. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2007 Nov;68(6):834-42. doi: 10.15288/jsad.2007.68.834.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 17960301 (View on PubMed)

McGuire F, Dawe M, Shield KD, Rehm J, Fishcher B. Driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol in a cohort of high-frequency cannabis users: prevalence and reflections on current interventions. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice 53(2): 247-259, 2011

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Pope HG Jr, Gruber AJ, Yurgelun-Todd D. The residual neuropsychological effects of cannabis: the current status of research. Drug Alcohol Depend. 1995 Apr;38(1):25-34. doi: 10.1016/0376-8716(95)01097-i.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 7648994 (View on PubMed)

Heishman SJ, Huestis MA, Henningfield JE, Cone EJ. Acute and residual effects of marijuana: profiles of plasma THC levels, physiological, subjective, and performance measures. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1990 Nov;37(3):561-5. doi: 10.1016/0091-3057(90)90028-g.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 1965045 (View on PubMed)

Smiley A. Marijuana: On-road and driving simulator studies. Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving. 2:121-34, 1986

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Crancer A Jr, Dille JM, Delay JC, Wallace JE, Haykin MD. Comparison of the effects of marihuana and alcohol on simulated driving performance. Science. 1969 May 16;164(3881):851-4. doi: 10.1126/science.164.3881.851.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 5767792 (View on PubMed)

Cone EJ, Huestis MA. Relating blood concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol and metabolites to pharmacologic effects and time of marijuana usage. Ther Drug Monit. 1993 Dec;15(6):527-32. doi: 10.1097/00007691-199312000-00013.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 8122288 (View on PubMed)

Harder S, Rietbrock S. Concentration-effect relationship of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiol and prediction of psychotropic effects after smoking marijuana. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1997 Apr;35(4):155-9.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 9112136 (View on PubMed)

McLaren J, Swift W, Dillon P, Allsop S. Cannabis potency and contamination: a review of the literature. Addiction. 2008 Jul;103(7):1100-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02230.x. Epub 2008 May 20.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 18494838 (View on PubMed)

Related Links

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http://www.camh.net/research

Information about research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre

Other Identifiers

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125/2011

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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