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Manca A, Valz C, Chiara F, Mula J, Palermiti A, Billi M, Antonucci M, Nicolò AD, Luxardo N, Imperiale D, Vischia F, De Cori D, Cusato J, D'Avolio A. Cannabinoid levels description in a cohort of patients with chronic and neuropathic pain treated with Cannabis decoction: A possible role of TDM. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116686. [PMID: 38713939 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The phytocomplex of Cannabis is made up of approximately 500 substances: terpeno-phenols metabolites, including Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, exhibit pharmacological activity. Medical Cannabis has several pharmacological potential applications, in particular in the management of chronic and neuropathic pain. In the literature, a few data are available concerning cannabis pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety. Thus, aim of the present study was the evaluation of cannabinoid pharmacokinetics in a cohort of patients, with chronic and neuropathic pain, treated with inhaled medical cannabis and decoction, as a galenic preparation. In this study, 67 patients were enrolled. Dried flower tops with different THC and CBD concentrations were used: Bedrocan® medical cannabis with THC level standardized at 19% and with a CBD level below 1%, Bediol® medical cannabis with THC and CBD level standardized at similar concentration of 6.5% and 8%, respectively. Cannabis was administered as a decoction in 47 patients and inhaled in 11 patients. The blood withdrawn was obtained before the new dose administration at the steady state and metabolites plasma concentrations were measured with an UHPLC-MS/MS method. Statistically significant differences were found in cannabinoids plasma exposure between inhaled and oral administration of medical cannabis, between male and female and cigarette smokers. For the first time, differences in cannabinoid metabolites exposures between different galenic formulations were suggested in patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring could be useful to allow for dose adjustment, but further studies in larger cohorts of patients are required in order to confirm these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Manca
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Cristina Valz
- SC Terapia del dolore - ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiara
- University of Turin, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology San Luigi A.O.U., RegioneGonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Jacopo Mula
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Alice Palermiti
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Martina Billi
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Miriam Antonucci
- SCDU Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Amedeo De Nicolò
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Nicola Luxardo
- SC Terapia del dolore - ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Neurology Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10144, Italy
| | - Flavio Vischia
- Department of Mental Health - Psychiatric Unit West, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - David De Cori
- Department of Mental Health - Psychiatric Unit West, Turin 10149, Italy
| | - Jessica Cusato
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy.
| | - Antonio D'Avolio
- University of Turin, Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics. Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Corso Svizzera 164, Turin 10149, Italy
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Maciocha F, Suchanecka A, Chmielowiec K, Chmielowiec J, Ciechanowicz A, Boroń A. Correlations of the CNR1 Gene with Personality Traits in Women with Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5174. [PMID: 38791212 PMCID: PMC11121729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant issue affecting women, with severe consequences for society, the economy, and most importantly, health. Both personality and alcohol use disorders are phenotypically very complex, and elucidating their shared heritability is a challenge for medical genetics. Therefore, our study investigated the correlations between the microsatellite polymorphism (AAT)n of the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CNR1) gene and personality traits in women with AUD. The study group included 187 female subjects. Of these, 93 were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, and 94 were controls. Repeat length polymorphism of microsatellite regions (AAT)n in the CNR1 gene was identified with PCR. All participants were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and completed the NEO Five-Factor and State-Trait Anxiety Inventories. In the group of AUD subjects, significantly fewer (AAT)n repeats were present when compared with controls (p = 0.0380). While comparing the alcohol use disorder subjects (AUD) and the controls, we observed significantly higher scores on the STAI trait (p < 0.00001) and state scales (p = 0.0001) and on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Neuroticism (p < 0.00001) and Openness (p = 0.0237; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) scales. Significantly lower results were obtained on the NEO-FFI Extraversion (p = 0.00003), Agreeability (p < 0.00001) and Conscientiousness (p < 0.00001) scales by the AUD subjects when compared to controls. There was no statistically significant Pearson's linear correlation between the number of (AAT)n repeats in the CNR1 gene and the STAI and NEO Five-Factor Inventory scores in the group of AUD subjects. In contrast, Pearson's linear correlation analysis in controls showed a positive correlation between the number of the (AAT)n repeats and the STAI state scale (r = 0.184; p = 0.011; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) and a negative correlation with the NEO-FFI Openness scale (r = -0.241; p = 0.001). Interestingly, our study provided data on two separate complex issues, i.e., (1) the association of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with the AUD in females; (2) the correlation of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with anxiety as a state and Openness in non-alcohol dependent subjects. In conclusion, our study provided a plethora of valuable data for improving our understanding of alcohol use disorder and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Maciocha
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Andrzej Ciechanowicz
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
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DeGregorio MW, Kao CJ, Wurz GT. Complexity of Translating Analytics to Recent Cannabis Use and Impairment. J AOAC Int 2024; 107:493-505. [PMID: 38410076 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
While current analytical methodologies can readily identify cannabis use, definitively establishing recent use within the impairment window has proven to be far more complex, requiring a new approach. Recent studies have shown no direct relationship between impairment and Δ9-tetra-hydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentrations in blood or saliva, making legal "per se" Δ9-THC limits scientifically unjustified. Current methods that focus on Δ9-THC and/or metabolite concentrations in blood, saliva, urine, or exhaled breath can lead to false-positive results for recent use due to the persistence of Δ9-THC well outside of the typical 3-4 h window of potential impairment following cannabis inhalation. There is also the issue of impairment due to other intoxicating substances-just because a subject exhibits signs of impairment and cannabis use is detected does not rule out the involvement of other drugs. Compounding the matter is the increasing popularity of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp in the United States. Many of these products contain varying levels of Δ9-THC, which can lead to false-positive tests for cannabis use. Furthermore, hemp-derived CBD is used to synthesize Δ8-THC, which possesses psychoactive properties similar to Δ9-THC and is surrounded by legal controversy. For accuracy, analytical methods must be able to distinguish the various THC isomers, which have identical masses and exhibit immunological cross-reactivity. A new testing approach has been developed based on exhaled breath and blood sampling that incorporates kinetic changes and the presence of key cannabinoids to detect recent cannabis use within the impairment window without the false-positive results seen with other methods. The complexity of determining recent cannabis use that may lead to impairment demands such a comprehensive method so that irresponsible users can be accurately detected without falsely accusing responsible users who may unjustly suffer harsh, life-changing consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W DeGregorio
- RCU Labs, Inc., 408 Sunrise Ave, Roseville, CA 95661-4123, United States
- Professor Emeritus, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Chiao-Jung Kao
- RCU Labs, Inc., 408 Sunrise Ave, Roseville, CA 95661-4123, United States
| | - Gregory T Wurz
- RCU Labs, Inc., 408 Sunrise Ave, Roseville, CA 95661-4123, United States
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Price JM, Smith RC, Miles AK, Kayagil TA. Delays in blood collection and drug toxicology results among crash-involved drivers arrested for impaired driving. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2024; 25:667-672. [PMID: 38648016 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2024.2333918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concentration of drugs in a driver's system can change between an impaired driving arrest or crash and the collection of a biological specimen for drug testing. Accordingly, delays in specimen collection can result in the loss of critical information that has the potential to affect impaired driving prosecution. The objectives of the study were: (1) to identify factors that influence the time between impaired-driving violations and specimen collections (time-to-collection) among crash-involved drivers, and (2) to consider how such delays affect measured concentrations of drugs, particularly with respect to common drug per se limits. METHOD Study data included blood toxicology results and crash-related information from 8,923 drivers who were involved in crashes and arrested for impaired driving in Wisconsin between 2019 and 2021. Analyses examined how crash timing and severity influenced time-to-collection and the effects of delays in specimen collection on blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and blood delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations. RESULTS The mean time-to-collection for the entire sample was 1.80 h. Crash severity had a significant effect on time-to-collection with crashes involving a fatality having the longest duration ( M = 2.35 h) followed by injury crashes ( M = 2.06 h) and noninjury crashes ( M = 1.69 h). Time of day also affected time-to-collection; late night and early morning hours were associated with shorter durations. Both BAC (r = -0.11) and blood THC concentrations (r = -0.16) were significantly negatively correlated with time-to-collection. CONCLUSIONS Crash severity and the time of day at which a crash occurs can result in delays in the collection of blood specimens after impaired driving arrests. Because drugs often continue to be metabolized and eliminated between arrest and biological specimen collection, measured concentrations may not represent the concentrations of drugs that were present at the time of driving. This has the potential to affect drug-impaired driving prosecution, particularly in jurisdictions whose laws specify per se impairment thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana M Price
- Office of Research and Engineering, National Transportation Safety Board, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Office of Research and Engineering, National Transportation Safety Board, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Amy K Miles
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Turan A Kayagil
- Office of Research and Engineering, National Transportation Safety Board, Washington, District of Columbia
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Favretto D, Visentin C, Aprile A, Terranova C, Cinquetti A. Driving under the influence of cannabis: A 5-year retrospective Italian study. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111854. [PMID: 37922577 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis consumption is associated with driving impairment and increased crash risk, endangering road safety. Toxicological analyses play a fundamental role in detecting a recent consumption of psychoactive substances. The aim of this study was to examine the concentration of cannabinoids in blood samples of driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders in order to investigate whether delayed sample collection affects the toxicological assessment of the offenders. MATERIALS AND METHODS An observational retrospective study was performed using anonymized toxicological data referring to cannabis-related DUI offenders involved in road traffic accidents (RTA) or apprehended by the police from 1 January 2017-31 December 2021 archived at Legal Medicine and Toxicology Department of the University Hospital of Padova, Italy. RESULTS In a total sample of 318 drivers, 143 blood samples tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and metabolites 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH), and 173 blood samples were positive for THC-COOH with THC negative. In the first group, the mean concentrations of THC and THC-COOH were 4.05 ng/mL and 28.29 ng/mL, respectively. In THC-negative cases, the mean THC-COOH concentration was 7.3 ng/mL. The time elapsed between the event and sample collection varied from 15 min to 7 h (mean 2 h 29 min). The average estimated time elapsed after consumption of cannabinoids was 3 h 7 min (Model I) and 2 h 36 min (Model II). CONCLUSIONS The present research discussed the main difficulties in the toxicological evaluation of drivers under the influence of Cannabis. Issues related to the time between RTA and sample collection, the laws and legal limits in force in various Countries were presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donata Favretto
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Anna Aprile
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Terranova
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cinquetti
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Dempsey SK, Gray TR, Kelly AT, Stout P, Lee D. A Comparison of High Drug Concentrations in Impaired Driving and Postmortem Casework in Harris County, Texas. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 46:817-824. [PMID: 35639908 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-impaired driving is a growing public safety issue. Addressing impairment due to drugs other than ethanol can be challenging for forensic toxicologists as many factors need to be considered including the type of drug(s), drug-drug interaction, the dose(s), and the individual's physiological condition and drug use history. Interpretation of blood drug test results is additionally difficult as drug concentrations in impaired driving cases may overlap levels typically viewed as toxic. This study compares blood concentrations of drugs in impaired driving cases to those in postmortem cases in Houston, Texas from 2014 to 2020. Blood drug concentrations from driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases submitted to Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) and Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) were compared to postmortem blood test results from HCIFS. Eight DWI/DUID cases had drugs that exceeded impaired driving concentrations reported in literature. These drugs included fentanyl (220 ng/mL), oxycodone (680 ng/mL), hydrocodone (310 and 490 ng/mL), clonazepam (330 ng/mL), methamphetamine (3500 and 7100 ng/mL), and THC (160 ng/mL). For oxycodone and hydrocodone, the presented DWI/DUID cases exceeded 91% and 96% of postmortem concentrations, respectively. The 7100 ng/mL methamphetamine DWI/DUID result was greater than 98% of postmortem cases. The presented DWI/DUID concentrations were higher than all but one postmortem case for clonazepam and higher than all postmortem cases for THC. This study demonstrates extremely high drug concentrations in DWI/DUID casework blur the line between therapeutic/recreational and toxic concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Dempsey
- Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, 2355 N. Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75207 USA
| | - Teresa R Gray
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas 77054 USA
| | - Anna T Kelly
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas 77054 USA
| | - Peter Stout
- Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc., 500 Jefferson St., 13th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 USA
| | - Dayong Lee
- Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc., 500 Jefferson St., 13th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 USA
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Hicks DL, Resko SM, Ellis JD, Agius E, Early TJ. Driving After Cannabis Use Among Young Adults in Michigan. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:100-106. [PMID: 33998875 PMCID: PMC8864414 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0096] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Driving after cannabis use is associated with a number of risks. Examination of driving after cannabis use among young adults is particularly important, as young adults have the highest rates of cannabis use and among the highest rates of traffic crashes. The current study examines rates and correlates of driving after cannabis use among young adults (aged 18-25) who reported past month cannabis use. Methods: Participants were from Michigan and recruited through paid Facebook and Instagram advertisements between February and March 2018 (n=461). Results: Nearly a third (31.9%) of the sample reported driving after cannabis use in the past month. Young adults who were employed (aOR=1.872, p=0.045), had medical cannabis cards (aOR=2.877, p<0.001), endorsed coping reasons for use (aOR=2.992, p=0.007), and endorsed social/recreational reasons for use (aOR=1.861, p=0.034) had greater odds of driving after cannabis use. Students had lower odds of driving after use (aOR=0.573, p=0.011). Conclusions: Employment and having a medical cannabis card may be important risk markers for identifying individuals more likely to drive after use of cannabis. Prevention efforts could provide psychoeducation at dispensaries to individuals with medical cannabis cards about the risks of driving after use. Coping motives for cannabis use may also be useful in identifying young adults at the greatest risk of driving after use of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Hicks
- Wayne State University School of Social Work, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,*Address correspondence to: Danielle L. Hicks, MSCJ, LLMSW, Wayne State University School of Social Work, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA,
| | - Stella M. Resko
- Wayne State University School of Social Work & Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer D. Ellis
- Wayne State University School of Social Work & Department of Psychology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Elizabeth Agius
- Wayne State University School of Social Work, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Theresa J. Early
- Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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A comprehensive breath test that confirms recent use of inhaled cannabis within the impairment window. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22776. [PMID: 34815467 PMCID: PMC8611040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Legalization of cannabis for medicinal and/or recreational use is expanding globally. Although cannabis is being regulated country by country, an accurate recent use test with indisputable results correlated with impairment has yet to be discovered. In the present study, a new approach for determining recent cannabis use within the impairment window after smoking was developed by studying 74 subjects with a mean age of 25 years and average use history of 9 years. Horizontal gaze nystagmus was evaluated along with subject self-assessments of impairment, and blood and breath samples were collected before and after smoking cannabis. Breath and blood pharmacokinetic parameters and cannabinoid profiles determined recent use within the impairment window. No subjects were positive for recent use pre-smoking, although all subjects had detectable cannabinoids in breath samples. We describe an inhaled cannabis recent use test that correlates with impairment and helps protect against wrongful prosecution and workplace discrimination.
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Le Daré B, Degremont A, Couty C, Baert A, Bouvet R, Morel I, Gicquel T. Alcohol and drug consumption among motor vehicle drivers in the Brittany region of France: A 9-year cross-sectional population study. Prev Med Rep 2021; 23:101454. [PMID: 34194961 PMCID: PMC8227838 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of positive tests for alcohol and drugs during roadside testing or after road accidents among drivers in the Brittany region of France. The study’s secondary objective was to describe the blood concentrations of the substances found during these tests, in order to provide a scientific basis for the establishment or modification of legislative threshold values for road injuries prevention. We performed a cross-sectional study of a database compiled by Rennes University Hospital’s toxicology laboratory in the Brittany region of France between 2010 and 2018. Driver’s age, sex, and test status (positive or negative), and blood levels of ethanol, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), amphetamine, benzoylecgonine and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) were collected. Twelve thousand four hundred and ninety-seven drivers (males: 86.1%; median (range) age: 29 (15–94)) have provided roadside blood samples, giving a total of 25,998 test results. Among the 10,996 drivers with at least one positive test, the median blood concentrations of ethanol, THC, MDMA, amphetamine, benzoylecgonine, and 6-MAM were respectively 1.82 g/L, 2.41 ng/mL, 138.4 ng/mL, 67.7 ng/mL, 173.3 ng/mL, and 0.97 ng/mL. 1159 (10.54%) of the 10,996 drivers tested positive for two or more substances, and 151 (1.4%) tested positive for three or more substances. With the exception of heroin, the currently recommended threshold values appear to be appropriate for road injuries prevention with regard to the concentrations observed in offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Le Daré
- Rennes University Hospital, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Univ. Rennes, INSERM, INRA, CHU Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cancer), F-35000 Rennes, France
- Corresponding author at: 2 Rue Henri Le Guilloux, Rennes University Hospital, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Adeline Degremont
- Rennes University Hospital, Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Information Centre, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, F-35033 Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, EA 7449 REPERES ‘Pharmacoepidemiology and Health Services Research’, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Clémence Couty
- Rennes University Hospital, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Alain Baert
- Rennes University Hospital, Department of Forensic Medicine, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Renaud Bouvet
- Rennes University Hospital, Department of Forensic Medicine, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Univ. Rennes, EA IDPSP – UR1_RS438, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Morel
- Rennes University Hospital, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Univ. Rennes, INSERM, INRA, CHU Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cancer), F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Thomas Gicquel
- Rennes University Hospital, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Univ. Rennes, INSERM, INRA, CHU Rennes, Institut NuMeCan (Nutrition, Metabolism and Cancer), F-35000 Rennes, France
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Tirado-Muñoz J, Lopez-Rodriguez AB, Fonseca F, Farré M, Torrens M, Viveros MP. Effects of cannabis exposure in the prenatal and adolescent periods: Preclinical and clinical studies in both sexes. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100841. [PMID: 32339546 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug among adolescents and young adults, including pregnant women. There is substantial evidence for a significant association between prenatal cannabis exposure and lower birth weight in offspring, and mixed results regarding later behavioural outcomes in the offspring. Adolescent cannabis use, especially heavy use, has been associated with altered executive function, depression, psychosis and use of other drugs later in life. Human studies have limitations due to several confounding factors and have provided scarce information about sex differences. In general, animal studies support behavioural alterations reported in humans and have revealed diverse sex differences and potential underlying mechanisms (altered mesolimbic dopaminergic and hippocampal glutamatergic systems and interference with prefrontal cortex maturation). More studies are needed that analyse sex and gender influences on cannabis-induced effects with great clinical relevance such as psychosis, cannabis use disorder and associated comorbidities, to achieve more personalized and accurate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Tirado-Muñoz
- Addiction Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Lopez-Rodriguez
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Francina Fonseca
- Addiction Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magi Farré
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germas Trias (HUGTP-IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Addiction Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Drummer OH, Gerostamoulos D, Di Rago M, Woodford NW, Morris C, Frederiksen T, Jachno K, Wolfe R. Odds of culpability associated with use of impairing drugs in injured drivers in Victoria, Australia. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2020; 135:105389. [PMID: 31812899 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.105389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Culpability analysis was conducted on 5000 drivers injured as a result of a vehicular collision and in whom comprehensive toxicology testing in blood was conducted. The sample included 1000 drivers for each of 5 years from approximately 5000-6000 drivers injured and taken to hospital in the State of Victoria. Logistic regression was used to investigate differences in the odds of culpability associated with alcohol and drug use and other selected crash attributes using the drug-free driver as the reference group. Adjusted odds ratios were obtained from multivariable logistic regression models in which other potentially explanatory driver and crash attributes were included. Drivers with alcohol present showed large increases in the odds of culpability similar to that seen in other studies investigating associations between blood alcohol concentration and crash risk. Methylamphetamine also showed a large increase in the odds of culpability (OR 19) compared to the reference group at both below and above 0.1 mg/L, whereas those drivers with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present showed only modest increase in odds when all concentrations were assessed (OR 1.9, 95 %CI 1.2-3.1). Benzodiazepines in drivers also gave an increase in odds (3.2, 95 %CI 1.6-6.1), but not other medicinal drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and opioids. Drivers that had combinations of impairing drugs generally gave a large increase in odds, particularly combinations of alcohol with THC or benzodiazepines, and those drivers using both THC and methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf H Drummer
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank 3006, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank 3006, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Di Rago
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank 3006, Victoria, Australia
| | - Noel W Woodford
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank 3006, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carla Morris
- Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, Victoria Police, 20 Dawson St., Brunswick 3056, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania Frederiksen
- Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, Victoria Police, 20 Dawson St., Brunswick 3056, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Jachno
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rory Wolfe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
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Sex and Gender Interactions on the Use and Impact of Recreational Cannabis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020509. [PMID: 31947505 PMCID: PMC7014129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the second most frequently used substance in the world and regulated or legalized for recreational use in Canada and fourteen US states and territories. As with all substances, a wide range of sex and gender related factors have an influence on how substances are consumed, their physical, mental and social impacts, and how men and women respond to treatment, health promotion, and policies. Given the widespread use of cannabis, and in the context of its increasing regulation, it is important to better understand the sex and gender related factors associated with recreational cannabis use in order to make more precise clinical, programming, and policy decisions. However, sex and gender related factors include a wide variety of processes, features and influences that are rarely fully considered in research. This article explores myriad features of both sex and gender as concepts, illustrates their impact on cannabis use, and focuses on the interactions of sex and gender that affect three main areas of public interest: the development of cannabis use dependence, the impact on various routes of administration (ROA), and the impact on impaired driving. We draw on two separate scoping reviews to examine available evidence in regard to these issues. These three examples are described and illustrate the need for more comprehensive and precise integration of sex and gender in substance use research, as well as serious consideration of the results of doing so, when addressing a major public health issue such as recreational cannabis use.
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DiRago M, Gerostamoulos D, Morris C, Fredericksen T, Woodford NW, Drummer OH. Prevalence of drugs in injured drivers in Victoria, Australia. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1687753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew DiRago
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia
| | - Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia
| | - Carla Morris
- Victoria Police, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania Fredericksen
- Victoria Police, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, Victoria, Australia
| | - Noel W. Woodford
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia
| | - Olaf H. Drummer
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Australia
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Lynch KL, Luo YR, Hooshfar S, Yun C. Correlation of Breath and Blood Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations and Release Kinetics Following Controlled Administration of Smoked Cannabis. Clin Chem 2019; 65:1171-1179. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2019.304501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Cannabis use results in impaired driving and an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Cannabinoid concentrations in blood and other matrices can remain high long after use, prohibiting the differentiation between acute and chronic exposure. Exhaled breath has been proposed as an alternative matrix in which concentrations may more closely correspond to the window of impairment; however, efficient capture and analytically sensitive detection methods are required for measurement.
METHODS
Timed blood and breath samples were collected from 20 volunteers before and after controlled administration of smoked cannabis. Cannabinoid concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS to determine release kinetics and correlation between the 2 matrices.
RESULTS
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was detected in exhaled breath for all individuals at baseline through 3 h after cannabis use. THC concentrations in breath were highest at the 15-min timepoint (median = 17.8 pg/L) and declined to <5% of this concentration in all participants 3 h after smoking. The decay curve kinetics observed for blood and breath were highly correlated within individuals and across the population.
CONCLUSIONS
THC can be reliably detected throughout the presumed 3-h impairment window following controlled administration of smoked cannabis. The findings support breath THC concentrations as representing a physiological process and are correlated to blood concentrations, albeit with a shorter window of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L Lynch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Y Ruben Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shirin Hooshfar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Cassandra Yun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Abstract
Abstract
Traffic medicine is an important part within the scope of concerns of forensic medicine. We are dealing with consequences of traffic accidents – fatal or survived – but this problem overlaps the borders of our specialization. Sustained injuries are the focus of various fields of medicine and in combination with alcohol and illicit drugs abuse this issue is growing. The following review has an ambition to bring more light into the problem concerning the effect of alcohol and cannabis (which is the most common illicit drug used worldwide) on driving abilities.
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Favretto D, Visentin S, Stocchero G, Vogliardi S, Snenghi R, Montisci M. Driving under the influence of drugs: Prevalence in road traffic accidents in Italy and considerations on per se limits legislation. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2019; 19:786-793. [PMID: 30024768 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2018.1500018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to present the prevalence and concentrations of drugs in blood samples of drivers involved in road traffic accidents (RTAs) and to discuss the effects of adopting different concentration cutoff values proposed or applied in other European countries on the number of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) offenses. METHODS Blood samples from drivers involved in RTAs in Padova province from 2014 to 2017 were analyzed for the presence of alcohol and drugs. The prevalence of positive subjects was reported for each substance adopting the limits of quantification (LOQs) of our laboratory and the concentration cutoff values proposed and/or used in other European countries. The reduction of cases of driving under the influence of illicit drugs in applying different cutoffs was calculated. RESULTS Four thousand four hundred forty-three blood samples were analyzed: 23.7% were positive for alcohol and 19.9% for psychoactive drugs, with prevalences of polydrug and alcohol-drug abuse of 4.5 and 6%, respectively. The most frequently detected drugs were cannabinoids (9.7%) and cocaine (7.2%), followed by benzodiazepines (4.1%), opiates (1.9%), and other opioids (1.7%). Barbiturates, amphetamines, and ketamine were identified in a much smaller number of cases. The overall decrease in DUID cases when adopting different cutoffs with respect to cases above the LOQs was between 8 and 84%. The adoption of high LOQs such as those used in the European Union's research project on Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines (DRUID) decreases the hypothetical number of DUID offenses by a quarter, and per se limits proposed as broadly equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.2 and 0.8 g/L dramatically reduce the cases of DUID (cocaine -81%, cannabis -79%, opioids -97%, opiates -96%, and amphetamines -77%); no ketamine-positive samples were above the cutoff. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of high analytical limits or per se limits based on impairing concentrations in the Italian legislation could result in the prosecution of a much lower number of drugged drivers involved in RTAs, with a decrease from 25% to more than 80% depending on the limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Favretto
- a Legal Medicine and Toxicology , University-Hospital of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - S Visentin
- a Legal Medicine and Toxicology , University-Hospital of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - G Stocchero
- a Legal Medicine and Toxicology , University-Hospital of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - S Vogliardi
- a Legal Medicine and Toxicology , University-Hospital of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - R Snenghi
- a Legal Medicine and Toxicology , University-Hospital of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - M Montisci
- a Legal Medicine and Toxicology , University-Hospital of Padova , Padova , Italy
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Jin H, Williams SZ, Chihuri ST, Li G, Chen Q. Validity of oral fluid test for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in drivers using the 2013 National Roadside Survey Data. Inj Epidemiol 2018; 5:3. [PMID: 29457201 PMCID: PMC5817052 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-018-0134-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Driving under the influence of marijuana is a serious traffic safety concern in the United States. Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active compound in marijuana. Although blood THC testing is a more accurate measure of THC-induced impairment, measuring THC in oral fluid is a less intrusive and less costly method of testing. Methods We examined whether the oral fluid THC test can be used as a valid alternative to the blood THC test using a sensitivity and specificity analysis and a logistic regression, and estimate the quantitative relationship between oral fluid THC concentration and blood THC concentration using a correlation analysis and a linear regression on the log-transformed THC concentrations. We used data from 4596 drivers who participated in the 2013 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers and for whom THC testing results from both oral fluid and whole blood samples were available. Results Overall, 8.9% and 9.4% of the participants tested positive for THC in oral fluid and whole blood samples, respectively. Using blood test as the reference criterion, oral fluid test for THC positivity showed a sensitivity of 79.4% (95% CI: 75.2%, 83.1%) and a specificity of 98.3% (95% CI: 97.9%, 98.7%). The log-transformed oral fluid THC concentration accounted for about 29% of the variation in the log-transformed blood THC concentration. That is, there is still 71% of the variation in the log-transformed blood THC concentration unexplained by the log-transformed oral fluid THC concentration. Back-transforming to the original scale, we estimated that each 10% increase in the oral fluid THC concentration was associated with a 2.4% (95% CI: 2.1%, 2.8%) increase in the blood THC concentration. Conclusions The oral fluid test is a highly valid method for detecting the presence of THC in the blood but cannot be used to accurately measure the blood THC concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Jin
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sharifa Z Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stanford T Chihuri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Qixuan Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Huestis MA, Smith ML. Cannabinoid Markers in Biological Fluids and Tissues: Revealing Intake. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:156-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
Purpose of the Review Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. In recent decades, highly concentrated products have flooded the market, and prevalence rates have increased. Gender differences exist in cannabis use, as men have higher prevalence of both cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD), while women progress more rapidly from first use to CUD. This paper reviews findings from preclinical and human studies examining the sex-specific neurobiological underpinnings of cannabis use and CUD, and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Recent Findings Sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system, in cannabis exposure effects on brain structure and function, and in the co-occurrence of cannabis use with symptoms of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. In female cannabis users, anxiety symptoms correlate with larger amygdala volume and social anxiety disorder symptoms correlate with CUD symptoms. Female cannabis users are reported to be especially vulnerable to earlier onset of schizophrenia, and mixed trends emerge in the correlation of depressive symptoms with cannabis exposure in females and males. Summary As prevalence of cannabis use may continue to increase given the shifting policy landscape regarding marijuana laws, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis exposure in females and males is key. Examining these mechanisms may help inform future research on sex-specific pharmacological and behavioral interventions for women and men with high-risk cannabis use, comorbid psychiatric disease, and CUD.
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21
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The occurrence of alcohol/drugs by toxicological examination of selected drivers in Hong Kong. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:242-253. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Lee D, Bergamaschi MM, Milman G, Barnes AJ, Queiroz RHC, Vandrey R, Huestis MA. Plasma Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics After Controlled Smoking and Ad libitum Cannabis Smoking in Chronic Frequent Users. J Anal Toxicol 2016; 39:580-7. [PMID: 26378131 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkv082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
More Americans are dependent on cannabis than any other illicit drug. The main analytes for cannabis testing include the primary psychoactive constituent, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), equipotent 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and inactive 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH). Eleven adult chronic frequent cannabis smokers resided on a closed research unit with unlimited access to 5.9% THC cannabis cigarettes from 12:00 to 23:00 during two ad libitum smoking phases, followed by a 5-day abstinence period in seven participants. A single cigarette was smoked under controlled topography on the last day of the smoking and abstinence phases. Plasma cannabinoids were quantified by two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Median plasma maximum concentrations (Cmax) were 28.3 (THC), 3.9 (11-OH-THC) and 47.0 μg/L (THCCOOH) 0.5 h after controlled single cannabis smoking. Median Cmax 0.2-0.5 h after ad libitum smoking was higher for all analytes: 83.5 (THC), 14.2 (11-OH-THC) and 155 μg/L (THCCOOH). All 11 participants' plasma samples were THC and THCCOOH-positive, 58.3% had THC ≥5 μg/L and 79.2% were 11-OH-THC-positive 8.1-14 h after last cannabis smoking. Cannabinoid detection rates in seven participants 106-112 h (4-5 days) after last smoking were 92.9 (THC), 35.7 (11-OH-THC) and 100% (THCCOOH), with limits of quantification of 0.5 μg/L for THC and THCCOOH, and 1.0 μg/L for 11-OH-THC. These data greatly expand prior research findings on cannabinoid excretion profiles in chronic frequent cannabis smokers during ad libitum smoking. Smoking multiple cannabis cigarettes led to higher Cmax and AUC compared with smoking a single cigarette. The chronic frequent cannabis smokers exhibited extended detection windows for plasma cannabinoids, reflecting a large cannabinoid body burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayong Lee
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd. Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mateus M Bergamaschi
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd. Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Garry Milman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd. Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Allan J Barnes
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd. Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Regina H C Queiroz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd. Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Declues K, Perez S, Figueroa A. A 2-Year Study of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations in Drivers: Examining Driving and Field Sobriety Test Performance,,. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1664-1670. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kari Declues
- The Orange County Crime Lab; 320 North Flower Santa Ana CA 92703
| | - Shelli Perez
- The Orange County Crime Lab; 320 North Flower Santa Ana CA 92703
| | - Ariana Figueroa
- The Orange County Crime Lab; 320 North Flower Santa Ana CA 92703
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Abstract
Background Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary ingredient in marijuana, exerts its effects across several neurological and biological systems that interact with the endocrine system. Thus, differential effects of Δ9-THC are likely to exist based on sex and hormone levels. Methods We reviewed the existing literature to determine sex-based effects of Δ9-THC on neural structure and functioning. Results The literature demonstrates differences in male and female marijuana users on brain structure, reward processing, attention, motor coordination, and sensitivity to withdrawal. However, inconsistencies exist in the literature regarding how marijuana affects men and women differentially, and more work is needed to understand these mechanisms. While extant literature remains inconclusive, differentiation between male and female marijuana users is likely due to neurological sexual dimorphism and differential social factors at play during development and adulthood. Conclusions Sex has important implications for marijuana use and the development of cannabis use disorders and should be considered in the development of prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Ketcherside
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
| | - Jessica Baine
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
| | - Francesca Filbey
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
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Slater ME, Castle IJP, Logan BK, Hingson RW. Differences in state drug testing and reporting by driver type in U.S. fatal traffic crashes. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2016; 92:122-129. [PMID: 27060753 PMCID: PMC4886475 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, has become more prevalent in recent years despite local, state, and federal efforts to prevent such increases. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) is the primary source of drugged driving data for fatal crashes in the United States but lacks the completeness required to calculate unbiased estimates of drug use among drivers involved in fatal crashes. METHODS This article uses the 2013 FARS dataset to present differences in state drug testing rates by driver type, driver fault type, and state-level factors; discusses limitations related to analysis and interpretation of drugged driving data; and offers suggestions for improvements that may enable appropriate use of FARS drug testing data in the future. RESULTS Results showed that state drug testing rates were highest among drivers who died at the scene of the crash (median=70.8%) and drivers who died and were at fault in the crash (median=64.4%). The lowest testing rates were seen among surviving drivers who were not transported to a hospital (median=14.0%) and surviving drivers who were not at fault in the crash (median=10.0%). Drug testing rates differed by state blood alcohol content (BAC) testing rate across all driver types and driver fault types, and in general, states that tested a higher percentage of drivers for BAC had higher drug testing rates. DISCUSSION Testing rates might be increased through standardization and mandatory testing policies. FARS data users should continue to be cautious about the limitations of using currently available data to quantify drugged driving. More efforts are needed to improve drug testing and reporting practices, and more research is warranted to establish drug concentration levels at which driving skills become impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Slater
- CSR, Incorporated, 4250 Fairfax Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22203, United States.
| | - I-Jen P Castle
- CSR, Incorporated, 4250 Fairfax Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22203, United States
| | - Barry K Logan
- NMS Labs, 3701 Welsh Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090, United States
| | - Ralph W Hingson
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 5635 Fishers LN, Rockville, MD 20852, United States
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Hartman RL, Brown TL, Milavetz G, Spurgin A, Gorelick DA, Gaffney GR, Huestis MA. Effect of Blood Collection Time on Measured Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations: Implications for Driving Interpretation and Drug Policy. Clin Chem 2016; 62:367-77. [PMID: 26823611 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2015.248492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In driving-under-the-influence cases, blood typically is collected approximately 1.5-4 h after an incident, with unknown last intake time. This complicates blood Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interpretation, owing to rapidly decreasing concentrations immediately after inhalation. We evaluated how decreases in blood THC concentration before collection may affect interpretation of toxicological results. METHODS Adult cannabis smokers (≥1×/3 months, ≤3 days/week) drank placebo or low-dose alcohol (approximately 0.065% peak breath alcohol concentration) 10 min before inhaling 500 mg placebo, 2.9%, or 6.7% vaporized THC (within-individuals), then took simulated drives 0.5-1.3 h postdose. Blood THC concentrations were determined before and up to 8.3 h postdose (limit of quantification 1 μg/L). RESULTS In 18 participants, observed Cmax (at 0.17 h) for active (2.9 or 6.7% THC) cannabis were [median (range)] 38.2 μg/L (11.4-137) without alcohol and 47.9 μg/L (13.0-210) with alcohol. THC Cmax concentration decreased 73.5% (3.3%-89.5%) without alcohol and 75.1% (11.5%-85.4%) with alcohol in the first half-hour after active cannabis and 90.3% (76.1%-100%) and 91.3% (53.8%-97.0%), respectively, by 1.4 h postdose. When residual THC (from previous self-administration) was present, concentrations rapidly decreased to preinhalation baselines and fluctuated around them. During-drive THC concentrations previously associated with impairment (≥8.2 μg/L) decreased to median <5 μg/L by 3.3 h postdose and <2 μg/L by 4.8 h postdose; only 1 participant had THC ≥5 μg/L after 3.3 h. CONCLUSIONS Forensic blood THC concentrations may be lower than common per se cutoffs despite greatly exceeding them while driving. Concentrations during driving cannot be back-extrapolated because of unknown time after intake and interindividual variability in rates of decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Hartman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD
| | - Timothy L Brown
- National Advanced Driving Simulator, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Gary Milavetz
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - David A Gorelick
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gary R Gaffney
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD;
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Chase PB, Hawkins J, Mosier J, Jimenez E, Boesen K, Logan BK, Walter FG. Differential physiological and behavioral cues observed in individuals smoking botanical marijuana versus synthetic cannabinoid drugs. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016; 54:14-9. [PMID: 26653952 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Synthetic cannabinoid use has increased in many states, and medicinal and/or recreational marijuana use has been legalized in some states. These changes present challenges to law enforcement drug recognition experts (DREs) who determine whether drivers are impaired by synthetic cannabinoids or marijuana, as well as to clinical toxicologists who care for patients with complications from synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana. Our goal was to compare what effects synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana had on performance and behavior, including driving impairment, by reviewing records generated by law enforcement DREs who evaluated motorists arrested for impaired driving. METHODS Data were from a retrospective, convenience sample of de-identified arrest reports from impaired drivers suspected of using synthetic cannabinoids (n = 100) or marijuana (n = 33). Inclusion criteria were arrested drivers who admitted to using either synthetic cannabinoids or marijuana, or who possessed either synthetic cannabinoids or marijuana; who also had a DRE evaluation at the scene; and whose blood screens were negative for alcohol and other drugs. Exclusion criteria were impaired drivers arrested with other intoxicants found in their drug or alcohol blood screens. Blood samples were analyzed for 20 popular synthetic cannabinoids by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC-COOH were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical significance was determined by using Fisher's exact test or Student's t-test, where appropriate, to compare the frequency of characteristics of those in the synthetic cannabinoid group versus those in the marijuana group. RESULTS 16 synthetic cannabinoid and 25 marijuana records met selection criteria; the drivers of these records were arrested for moving violations. Median age for the synthetic cannabinoid group (n = 16, 15 males) was 20 years (IQR 19-23 years). Median age for the marijuana group (n = 25, 21 males) was 20 years (IQR 19-24 years) (p = 0.46). In the synthetic cannabinoid group, 94% (15/16) admitted to using synthetic cannabinoids. In the marijuana group, 96% (24/25) admitted to using marijuana. Blood was available for testing in 96% (24/25) of the marijuana group; 21 of these 24 had quantitative levels of THC (mean + SD = 10.7 + 5 ng/mL) and THC-COOH (mean + SD = 57.8 + 3 ng/mL). Blood was available for testing in 63% (10/16) of the synthetic cannabinoid group, with 80% (8/10) of these positive for synthetic cannabinoids. Those in the synthetic cannabinoid group were more frequently confused (7/16 [44%] vs. 0/25 [0%], p ≤ 0.003) and disoriented (5/16 [31%] vs. 0/25 [0%], p ≤ 0.003), and more frequently had incoherent, slurred speech (10/16 [63%] vs. 3/25 [12%], p = 0.0014) and horizontal gaze nystagmus (8/16 [50%] vs. 3/25 [12%], p = 0.01) than those in the marijuana group. CONCLUSION Drivers under the influence of synthetic cannabinoids were more frequently impaired with confusion, disorientation, and incoherent, slurred speech than drivers under the influence of marijuana in this population evaluated by DREs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Chase
- a Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy , Tucson , AZ , USA
| | | | - Jarrod Mosier
- c Department of Emergency Medicine , The University of Arizona College of Medicine , Tucson , AZ , USA
| | | | - Keith Boesen
- a Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy , Tucson , AZ , USA
| | | | - Frank G Walter
- a Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy , Tucson , AZ , USA ;,c Department of Emergency Medicine , The University of Arizona College of Medicine , Tucson , AZ , USA
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Hartman RL, Brown TL, Milavetz G, Spurgin A, Pierce RS, Gorelick DA, Gaffney G, Huestis MA. Cannabis effects on driving longitudinal control with and without alcohol. J Appl Toxicol 2016; 36:1418-29. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Hartman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH; 251 Bayview Boulevard Street, 200 Rm 05A721 Baltimore MD USA
| | - Timothy L. Brown
- National Advanced Driving Simulator; University of Iowa; 2401 Oakdale Boulevard Iowa City IA USA
| | - Gary Milavetz
- College of Pharmacy; University of Iowa; Iowa City IA USA
| | - Andrew Spurgin
- College of Pharmacy; University of Iowa; Iowa City IA USA
| | | | - David A. Gorelick
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore MD USA
| | - Gary Gaffney
- Carver College of Medicine; University of Iowa; Iowa City IA USA
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH; 251 Bayview Boulevard Street, 200 Rm 05A721 Baltimore MD USA
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Hermanns-Clausen M, Kithinji J, Spehl M, Angerer V, Franz F, Eyer F, Auwärter V. Adverse effects after the use of JWH-210 - a case series from the EU Spice II plus project. Drug Test Anal 2016; 8:1030-1038. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maren Hermanns-Clausen
- Poisons Information Center; Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Josephine Kithinji
- Poisons Information Center; Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Marco Spehl
- Poisons Information Center; Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology; Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School; University of Freiburg; Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology; Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School; University of Freiburg; Germany
| | - Florian Eyer
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Klinikum rechts der Isar; Technical University of Munich; Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology; Medical Center - University of Freiburg; Germany
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Wagner EJ. Sex differences in cannabinoid-regulated biology: A focus on energy homeostasis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:101-9. [PMID: 26800649 PMCID: PMC4783283 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Considerable strides have been made over the past 20 years in our understanding of the ligands, receptor subtypes, signal transduction mechanisms and biological actions comprising the endocannabinoid system. From the ever-expanding number of studies that have been conducted during this time, it has become increasingly clear that sex differences are the cornerstone of cannabinoid-regulated biology. Available evidence has demonstrated that these sex differences endure in the absence of gonadal steroids, and are modulated by the acute, activational effects of these hormones. This review focuses on select aspects of sexually differentiated, cannabinoid-regulated biology, with a particular emphasis on the control of energy balance. It is anticipated that it will lend impactful insight into the pervasive and diverse disparities in how males and females respond to cannabinoids--from the organismal level down to the molecular level. Additionally, it will furnish a newfound appreciation for the need to recalibrate our thinking in terms of how cannabinoids are used as therapeutic adjuvants for a broad range of clinical disorders and associated comorbidities, including body wasting and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Wagner
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States.
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Abstract
Medical marijuana remains a highly debated treatment regimen despite removal of state penalties against care providers prescribing the drug and patients treated with the drug in many areas of the USA. The utility of marijuana in specific medical conditions has been studied at length, but its effects on driving performance and risk of motor vehicle collision remain unclear. As with other medications that affect psychomotor function, the healthcare provider should be informed of the potential risks of driver safety prior to prescribing this psychotropic drug to give appropriate anticipatory guidance for appropriate use. The goal of this narrative review is to assess the current literature regarding marijuana as it relates to driving performance and traffic safety. With a foundation in the pharmacology of cannabinoids, we consider the limitations of testing cannabinoid and metabolite concentration. In addition, we will review studies on driving performance and epidemiological studies implicating marijuana in motor vehicle collisions. The increasing prevalence of medical marijuana laws in the USA suggests that clinicians should be aware of marijuana's influence on public safety. Patients should abstain from driving for 8 h if they achieve a subjective "high" from self-treatment with smoked marijuana and should be aware of the cumulative effects of alcohol and other psychoactive xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Neavyn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA,
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Hartman RL, Brown TL, Milavetz G, Spurgin A, Pierce RS, Gorelick DA, Gaffney G, Huestis MA. Cannabis effects on driving lateral control with and without alcohol. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 154:25-37. [PMID: 26144593 PMCID: PMC4536116 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of cannabis, the most commonly encountered non-alcohol drug in driving under the influence cases, are heavily debated. We aim to determine how blood Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations relate to driving impairment, with and without alcohol. METHODS Current occasional (≥1×/last 3 months, ≤3days/week) cannabis smokers drank placebo or low-dose alcohol, and inhaled 500mg placebo, low (2.9%)-THC, or high (6.7%)-THC vaporized cannabis over 10min ad libitum in separate sessions (within-subject design, 6 conditions). Participants drove (National Advanced Driving Simulator, University of Iowa) simulated drives (∼0.8h duration). Blood, oral fluid (OF), and breath alcohol samples were collected before (0.17h, 0.42h) and after (1.4h, 2.3h) driving that occurred 0.5-1.3h after inhalation. We evaluated standard deviations of lateral position (lane weave, SDLP) and steering angle, lane departures/min, and maximum lateral acceleration. RESULTS In N=18 completers (13 men, ages 21-37years), cannabis and alcohol increased SDLP. Blood THC concentrations of 8.2 and 13.1μg/L during driving increased SDLP similar to 0.05 and 0.08g/210L breath alcohol concentrations, the most common legal alcohol limits. Cannabis-alcohol SDLP effects were additive rather than synergistic, with 5μg/L THC+0.05g/210L alcohol showing similar SDLP to 0.08g/210L alcohol alone. Only alcohol increased lateral acceleration and the less-sensitive lane departures/min parameters. OF effectively documented cannabis exposure, although with greater THC concentration variability than paired blood samples. CONCLUSIONS SDLP was a sensitive cannabis-related lateral control impairment measure. During drive blood THC ≥8.2μg/L increased SDLP similar to notably-impairing alcohol concentrations. Despite OF's screening value, OF variability poses challenges in concentration-based effects interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Hartman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, 251 Bayview Boulevard Ste 200 Rm 05A721, Baltimore, MD, USA,Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland Baltimore, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy L. Brown
- National Advanced Driving Simulator, University of Iowa, 2401 Oakdale Boulevard, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gary Milavetz
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Spurgin
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - David A. Gorelick
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, 251 Bayview Boulevard Ste 200 Rm 05A721, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gary Gaffney
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, 251 Bayview Boulevard Ste 200 Rm 05A721, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hartman RL, Brown TL, Milavetz G, Spurgin A, Gorelick DA, Gaffney G, Huestis MA. Controlled vaporized cannabis, with and without alcohol: subjective effects and oral fluid-blood cannabinoid relationships. Drug Test Anal 2015; 8:690-701. [PMID: 26257143 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vaporized cannabis and concurrent cannabis and alcohol intake are commonplace. We evaluated the subjective effects of cannabis, with and without alcohol, relative to blood and oral fluid (OF, advantageous for cannabis exposure screening) cannabinoid concentrations and OF/blood and OF/plasma vaporized-cannabinoid relationships. Healthy adult occasional-to-moderate cannabis smokers received a vaporized placebo or active cannabis (2.9% and 6.7% Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) with or without oral low-dose alcohol (~0.065g/210L peak breath alcohol concentration [BrAC]) in a within-subjects design. Blood and OF were collected up to 8.3 h post-dose and subjective effects measured at matched time points with visual-analogue scales and 5-point Likert scales. Linear mixed models evaluated subjective effects by THC concentration, BrAC, and interactions. Effects by time point were evaluated by dose-wise analysis of variance (ANOVA). OF versus blood or plasma cannabinoid ratios and correlations were evaluated in paired-positive specimens. Nineteen participants (13 men) completed the study. Blood THC concentration or BrAC significantly associated with subjective effects including 'high', while OF contamination prevented significant OF concentration associations <1.4 h post-dose. Subjective effects persisted through 3.3-4.3 h, with alcohol potentiating the duration of the cannabis effects. Effect-versus-THC concentration and effect-versus-alcohol concentration hystereses were counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively. OF/blood and OF/plasma THC significantly correlated (all Spearman r≥0.71), but variability was high. Vaporized cannabis subjective effects were similar to those previously reported after smoking, with duration extended by concurrent alcohol. Cannabis intake was identified by OF testing, but OF concentration variability limited interpretation. Blood THC concentrations were more consistent across subjects and more accurate at predicting cannabis' subjective effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Hartman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Timothy L Brown
- National Advanced Driving Simulator, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gary Milavetz
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Spurgin
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David A Gorelick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gary Gaffney
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Jones AW, Holmgren A, Ahlner J. High prevalence of previous arrests for illicit drug use and/or impaired driving among drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in Sweden with amphetamine in blood at autopsy. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:790-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Wood E, Brooks-Russell A, Drum P. Delays in DUI blood testing: Impact on cannabis DUI assessments. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2015; 17:105-108. [PMID: 26066003 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1052421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the time from law enforcement dispatch to the first blood draw in cases of driving under the influence (DUI) vehicular homicide and a subset of DUI vehicular assault cases in Colorado in 2012. Laboratory toxicology results were also examined to understand the implications of delays in blood draws in cases of driving while under the influence of marijuana's delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). METHODS Colorado court records were reviewed and information regarding charges, presence of alcohol and/or drugs, time of law enforcement contact and blood draw, crash location, and other contextual factors were identified. The distributions of first blood draw times were studied by charge and by responding law enforcement agency. Toxicology data from a different cohort of DUI traffic arrests in Colorado and Washington were examined to determine the proportion of blood tests for THC that were above specified legal limits in those states. RESULTS The average time from law enforcement dispatch to blood draw in cases of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault was 2.32 h (SD ± 1.31 h), with a range of 0.83 to 8.0 h and a median of 2.0 h. Data from DUI traffic arrests found that between 42 and 70% of all cannabinoid-positive traffic arrests tested below 5 ng/ml THC in blood, which is the legal limit in Colorado and Washington. CONCLUSION Given the current delays to blood testing in cases of arrests for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in Colorado, many blood tests are unlikely to confirm that drivers who are impaired from smoking marijuana have THC levels above established legal limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Wood
- a DUID Victim Voices , Morrison , Colorado
| | - Ashley Brooks-Russell
- b Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora , Colorado
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Kemp PM, Cardona PS, Chaturvedi AK, Soper JW. Distribution of ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid in Postmortem Biological Fluids and Tissues From Pilots Fatally Injured in Aviation Accidents. J Forensic Sci 2015; 60:942-9. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip M. Kemp
- Federal Aviation Administration; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute; 6500 South MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City OK
| | - Patrick S. Cardona
- Federal Aviation Administration; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute; 6500 South MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City OK
| | - Arvind K. Chaturvedi
- Federal Aviation Administration; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute; 6500 South MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City OK
| | - John W. Soper
- Federal Aviation Administration; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute; 6500 South MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City OK
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Dubois S, Mullen N, Weaver B, Bédard M. The combined effects of alcohol and cannabis on driving: Impact on crash risk. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 248:94-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zhang Q, Guo P, Wang J, Yang M, Kong L. Gender-specific metabolic responses in focal cerebral ischemia of rats and Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction treatment. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra19934d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
1H NMR based metabolomics approach combined with biochemical, histological and immunohistochemistry observations was successfully applied to explore gender-specific metabolic differences in ischemic stroke and the protective effect of HLJDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing 210009
- PR China
| | - Pingping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing 210009
- PR China
| | - Junsong Wang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism
- Nanjing University of Science & Technology
- Nanjing 210094
- PR China
| | - Minghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing 210009
- PR China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing 210009
- PR China
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Pacula RL, Kilmer B, Wagenaar AC, Chaloupka FJ, Caulkins JP. Developing public health regulations for marijuana: lessons from alcohol and tobacco. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:1021-8. [PMID: 24825201 PMCID: PMC4062005 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Until November 2012, no modern jurisdiction had removed the prohibition on the commercial production, distribution, and sale of marijuana for nonmedical purposes-not even the Netherlands. Government agencies in Colorado and Washington are now charged with granting production and processing licenses and developing regulations for legal marijuana, and other states and countries may follow. Our goal is not to address whether marijuana legalization is a good or bad idea but, rather, to help policymakers understand the decisions they face and some lessons learned from research on public health approaches to regulating alcohol and tobacco over the past century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
- At the time this work was conducted, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula and Beau Kilmer were with the Drug Policy Research Center, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA. Alexander C. Wagenaar was with the Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville. Frank J. Chaloupka was with the Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois, Chicago. Jonathan P. Caulkins was with the Heinz School of Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
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Wolff K, Johnston A. Cannabis use: a perspective in relation to the proposed UK drug-driving legislation. Drug Test Anal 2013; 6:143-54. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Wolff
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science; King's College London; 150 Stamford Street London SE1 9NH UK
| | - Atholl Johnston
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary; University of London, Charterhouse Square; London EC1M 6BQ UK
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Ahlner J, Holmgren A, Jones AW. Prevalence of alcohol and other drugs and the concentrations in blood of drivers killed in road traffic crashes in Sweden. Scand J Public Health 2013; 42:177-83. [PMID: 24265165 DOI: 10.1177/1403494813510792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drunk or drug-impaired drivers represent a major public health and societal problem worldwide. Because over 95% of drivers killed on the roads in Sweden are autopsied, reliable information is available about the use of alcohol and/or other drug before the crash. METHODS This retrospective 4-year study (2008-2011) used a forensic toxicology database (TOXBASE) to evaluate the concentrations of alcohol and other drugs in blood samples from drivers killed in road-traffic crashes. RESULTS The mean age of all victims (N = 895) was 48 ± 20 years, and the majority were male (86%). In 504 drivers (56%), the results of toxicological analysis were negative and these victims were older; mean age (± SD) 47 ± 20 years, than alcohol positive cases (35 ± 14 years) and illicit drug users (34 ± 15 years). In 21% of fatalities, blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was above the statutory limit for driving (0.2 g/L), although the median BAC was appreciably higher (1.72 g/L). Illicit drugs (mainly amphetamine and cannabis) were identified in ~7% of victims, either alone (2.5%), together with alcohol (1.8%) or a prescription drug (2%). The psychoactive prescription drugs identified were mainly benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics and tramadol, which were found in the blood of 7.6% of crash victims. CONCLUSIONS The high median BAC in fatally-injured drivers speaks strongly towards alcohol-induced impairment as being responsible for the crash. Compared with alcohol, the prevalence of illicit and psychoactive prescription drugs was fairly low despite a dramatic increase in the number of drug-impaired drivers arrested by the police after a zero-tolerance law was introduced in 1999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ahlner
- 1Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Sweden
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Cannabis and traffic collision risk: findings from a case-crossover study of injured drivers presenting to emergency departments. Int J Public Health 2013; 59:395-404. [DOI: 10.1007/s00038-013-0512-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Police custody following driving under the influence of cannabis: a prospective study. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 231:92-7. [PMID: 23890621 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Traffic offences are a common cause of detention in police custody. We hypothesized that drug intoxication while driving could correspond to specific medical conditions of the detainees. Our objective was to evaluate medical features and addictive behaviours of suspected drug drivers and to collect data regarding assaults or injuries in these individuals. We conducted a prospective study (April 2010-December 2011) of suspected drug driving arrestees, who were compared to drink drivers or persons aged over 18 detained for other reasons. Data collected concerned persons' characteristics, reported assaults, and observed injuries. A total of 205 drivers were tested positive for drugs in blood, 116 were either positive for drugs in urine or saliva and negative in blood, or negative in urine. Cannabis-only users accounted for 201 of 205 drug drivers (98%). Suspected drug driving arrestees had good overall health rating. Drug drivers were younger than controls and requested more rarely medical examination (12% vs. 44%, P<0.0001). They were rarely involved in addiction treatment (3%) and reported assaults or presented traumatic injuries less often than drink drivers and controls (8% vs. 38% and 25%, P<0.0001). Drug drivers were less often alcohol abusers than controls. Their opinion on custody was better than that of controls and they were considered unconditionally fit for detention more frequently (99% vs. 77%, P<0.0001). We conclude that arrested drug drivers were young, healthy, and infrequently reported assaults or presented traumatic injuries, which does not put them in a high risk medical condition. Medical care could include brief interventions on addictive behaviours.
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Bergamaschi MM, Karschner EL, Goodwin RS, Scheidweiler KB, Hirvonen J, Queiroz RH, Huestis MA. Impact of prolonged cannabinoid excretion in chronic daily cannabis smokers' blood on per se drugged driving laws. Clin Chem 2013; 59:519-26. [PMID: 23449702 PMCID: PMC3717350 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2012.195503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the illicit drug most frequently reported with impaired driving and motor vehicle accidents. Some "per se" laws make it illegal to drive with any amount of drug in the body, while others establish blood, saliva, or urine concentrations above which it is illegal to drive. The persistence of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in chronic daily cannabis smokers' blood is unknown. METHODS Thirty male chronic daily cannabis smokers resided on a secure research unit for up to 33 days, with daily blood collection. Samples were processed in an ice bath during sample preparation to minimize cannabinoid adsorption onto precipitant material. We quantified THC by 2-dimensional GC-MS. RESULTS Of the 30 participants, 27 were THC-positive on admission, with a median (range) concentration of 1.4 μg/L (0.3-6.3). THC decreased gradually; only 1 of 11 participants was negative at 26 days, 2 of 5 remained THC-positive (0.3 μg/L) for 30 days, and 5.0% of participants had THC ≥ 1.0 μg/L for 12 days. Median 11-hydroxy-THC concentrations were 1.1 μg/L on admission, with no results ≥ 1.0 μg/L 24 h later. 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) detection rates were 96.7% on admission, decreasing slowly to 95.7% and 85.7% on days 8 and 22, respectively; 4 of 5 participants remained THCCOOH positive (0.6-2.7 μg/L) after 30 days, and 1 remained positive on discharge at 33 days. CONCLUSIONS Cannabinoids can be detected in blood of chronic daily cannabis smokers during a month of sustained abstinence. This is consistent with the time course of persisting neurocognitive impairment reported in recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus M. Bergamaschi
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Erin L. Karschner
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Robert S. Goodwin
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Karl B. Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jussi Hirvonen
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Regina H.C. Queiroz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug identified in impaired drivers. The effects of cannabis on driving continue to be debated, making prosecution and legislation difficult. Historically, delays in sample collection, evaluating the inactive Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, and polydrug use have complicated epidemiologic evaluations of driver impairment after cannabis use. CONTENT We review and evaluate the current literature on cannabis' effects on driving, highlighting the epidemiologic and experimental data. Epidemiologic data show that the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) increases approximately 2-fold after cannabis smoking. The adjusted risk of driver culpability also increases substantially, particularly with increased blood THC concentrations. Studies that have used urine as the biological matrix have not shown an association between cannabis and crash risk. Experimental data show that drivers attempt to compensate by driving more slowly after smoking cannabis, but control deteriorates with increasing task complexity. Cannabis smoking increases lane weaving and impaired cognitive function. Critical-tracking tests, reaction times, divided-attention tasks, and lane-position variability all show cannabis-induced impairment. Despite purported tolerance in frequent smokers, complex tasks still show impairment. Combining cannabis with alcohol enhances impairment, especially lane weaving. SUMMARY Differences in study designs frequently account for inconsistencies in results between studies. Participant-selection bias and confounding factors attenuate ostensible cannabis effects, but the association with MVA often retains significance. Evidence suggests recent smoking and/or blood THC concentrations 2-5 ng/mL are associated with substantial driving impairment, particularly in occasional smokers. Future cannabis-and-driving research should emphasize challenging tasks, such as divided attention, and include occasional and chronic daily cannabis smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Hartman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Toxicology, Graduate Program in Life Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
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Fattore L. Considering gender in cannabinoid research: a step towards personalized treatment of marijuana addicts. Drug Test Anal 2012; 5:57-61. [PMID: 22887940 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a complex disorder with interacting factors, including environmental factors, drug-induced neurobiological changes, comorbidity, personality traits and stress responsivity. Numerous genetic variants that affect these factors may work in concert to affect vulnerability and severity of addiction. Traditionally, abuse of illicit drugs, including cannabis, was considered to be primarily a problem specific to men but the recent focus on drug addiction in women has brought attention to numerous sex differences in the central effects of these drugs, epidemiology of abuse-related disorders, etiologic considerations and psychiatric comorbidity. Gender is now recognised as a major factor in the modulation of the pharmacological effects of drugs of abuse, and sex differences have been reported in various phases of the addiction cycle in both humans and animals. Recently, important gender-dependent differences have been detected in the rates of initiation of marijuana smoking and in the frequency of use. Several animal studies, and in particular self-administration studies, confirmed the crucial role played by sex and gonadal hormones in determining higher sensitivity to marijuana's rewarding properties and vulnerability to cannabis addiction in females than in males. In general, women also show higher rate of relapse to drug use than men, likely due to divergent withdrawal experiences and increased reactivity to internal (emotional) and external (drug-associated) cues. According with this, craving for marijuana smoking and propensity to re-use cannabis after abstinence may also develop differently between the sexes and require distinct treatment approaches, thus highlighting the urgent need for gender-tailored prevention strategies and detoxification treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute-Cagliari @ Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Jones AW, Holmgren A. What non-alcohol drugs are used by drinking drivers in Sweden? Toxicological results from ten years of forensic blood samples. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2012; 43:151-156. [PMID: 22974679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND METHOD Using a forensic toxicology database (TOXBASE), the toxicological results from 10 years of forensic blood samples from people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs were reviewed. RESULTS Alcohol was the only drug identified in blood in N=35,704 cases at a median blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.63 mg/g. The mean age (±SD) of these offenders was 40±15years and 89% were male. The median BAC was lower (1.30 mg/g) in drivers who had consumed alcohol and used a prescription drug before driving (N=1,251). The mean age of this group of traffic offenders was 38±13years and 85% were male. Both the median BAC (0.97 mg/g) and the mean age were lowest (36±11years, 92% male) in N=3,153 drivers who had consumed alcohol and used illicit drugs before driving. Cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine and morphine (metabolite of heroin) were the commonest illicit drugs identified in blood samples. Sedative-hypnotics (benzodiazepines) were the major prescription drugs co-ingested with alcohol. Poly-drug use was a common finding in these traffic delinquents, although individuals who only drank alcohol had a higher median BAC and were also several years older than drinking drivers combining alcohol with other drugs before driving. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY Zero-tolerance legislation did not deter hard-core offenders. In future there should be more focus on treatment for alcohol and substance abuse disorder rather than conventional punishments for this type of traffic crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Wayne Jones
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden.
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Blencowe T, Pehrsson A, Mykkänen S, Gunnar T, Lillsunde P. Cannabis findings in drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs in Finland from 2006 to 2008. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 217:107-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Asbridge M, Hayden JA, Cartwright JL. Acute cannabis consumption and motor vehicle collision risk: systematic review of observational studies and meta-analysis. BMJ 2012; 344:e536. [PMID: 22323502 PMCID: PMC3277079 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the acute consumption of cannabis (cannabinoids) by drivers increases the risk of a motor vehicle collision. DESIGN Systematic review of observational studies, with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES We did electronic searches in 19 databases, unrestricted by year or language of publication. We also did manual searches of reference lists, conducted a search for unpublished studies, and reviewed the personal libraries of the research team. Review methods We included observational epidemiology studies of motor vehicle collisions with an appropriate control group, and selected studies that measured recent cannabis use in drivers by toxicological analysis of whole blood or self report. We excluded experimental or simulator studies. Two independent reviewers assessed risk of bias in each selected study, with consensus, using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Risk estimates were combined using random effects models. RESULTS We selected nine studies in the review and meta-analysis. Driving under the influence of cannabis was associated with a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle collisions compared with unimpaired driving (odds ratio 1.92 (95% confidence interval 1.35 to 2.73); P=0.0003); we noted heterogeneity among the individual study effects (I(2)=81). Collision risk estimates were higher in case-control studies (2.79 (1.23 to 6.33); P=0.01) and studies of fatal collisions (2.10 (1.31 to 3.36); P=0.002) than in culpability studies (1.65 (1.11 to 2.46); P=0.07) and studies of non-fatal collisions (1.74 (0.88 to 3.46); P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS Acute cannabis consumption is associated with an increased risk of a motor vehicle crash, especially for fatal collisions. This information could be used as the basis for campaigns against drug impaired driving, developing regional or national policies to control acute drug use while driving, and raising public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 1V7.
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DuPont RL, Voas RB, Walsh JM, Shea C, Talpins SK, Neil MM. The need for drugged driving per se laws: a commentary. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2012; 13:31-42. [PMID: 22239141 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2011.632658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Triggered by the new federal commitment announced by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONCDP) to encourage states to enact drugged driving per se laws, this article reviews the reasons to establish such laws and the issues that may arise when trying to enforce them. METHODS A review of the state of drunk driving per se laws and their implications for drugged driving is presented, with a review of impaired driving enforcement procedures and drug testing technology. RESULTS Currently, enforcement of drugged driving laws is an adjunct to the enforcement of laws regarding alcohol impairment. Drivers are apprehended when showing signs of alcohol intoxication and only in the relatively few cases where the blood alcohol concentration of the arrested driver does not account for the observed behavior is the possibility of drug impairment pursued. In most states, the term impaired driving covers both alcohol and drug impairment; thus, driver conviction records may not distinguish between the two different sources of impairment. As a result, enforcement statistics do not reflect the prevalence of drugged driving. CONCLUSIONS Based on the analysis presented, this article recommends a number of steps that can be taken to evaluate current drugged driving enforcement procedures and to move toward the enactment of drug per se laws.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L DuPont
- Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA.
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