Journal article
Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application
Journal of cannabis research, Vol.6(1), 3
02/03/2024
DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00215-1
PMCID: PMC10837858
PMID: 38308382
Abstract
Background
Acute cannabis use has been demonstrated to slow reaction time and affect decision-making and short-term memory. These effects may have utility in identifying impairment associated with recent use. However, these effects have not been widely investigated among individuals with a pattern of daily use, who may have acquired tolerance. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of tolerance to cannabis on the acute effects as measured by reaction time, decision-making (gap acceptance), and short-term memory.
Methods
Participants (ages 25–45) completed a tablet-based (iPad) test battery before and approximately 60 min after smoking cannabis flower. The change in performance from before to after cannabis use was compared across three groups of cannabis users: (1) occasional use (n = 23); (2) daily use (n = 31); or (3) no current use (n = 32). Participants in the occasional and daily use group self-administered ad libitum, by smoking or vaping, self-supplied cannabis flower with a high concentration of total THC (15–30%).
Results
The occasional use group exhibited decrements in reaction time (slowed) and short-term memory (replicated fewer shapes) from before to after cannabis use, as compared to the no-use group. In the gap acceptance task, daily use participants took more time to complete the task post-smoking cannabis as compared to those with no use or occasional use; however, the level of accuracy did not significantly change.
Conclusions
The findings are consistent with acquired tolerance to certain acute psychomotor effects with daily cannabis use. The finding from the gap acceptance task which showed a decline in speed but not accuracy may indicate a prioritization of accuracy over response time. Cognitive and psychomotor assessments may have utility for identifying impairment associated with recent cannabis use.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application
- Creators
- Ashley Brooks-Russell - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusJulia Wrobel - Colorado School of Public HealthTim Brown - Univ Iowa, Driving Safety Res Inst, Iowa City, IA USAL. Cinnamon Bidwell - University of Colorado BoulderGeorge Sam Wang - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusBenjamin Steinhart - Colorado School of Public HealthGregory Dooley - Colorado State UniversityMichael J. Kosnett - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of cannabis research, Vol.6(1), 3
- DOI
- 10.1186/s42238-024-00215-1
- PMID
- 38308382
- PMCID
- PMC10837858
- NLM abbreviation
- J Cannabis Res
- ISSN
- 2522-5782
- eISSN
- 2522-5782
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/03/2024
- Academic Unit
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9984627284902771
Metrics
7 Record Views