Comparative effects of alcohol and marijuana on mood, memory, and performance.

Alcohol and marijuana produced similar dose-related changes in subjective drug effects and comparable impairment on digit-symbol substitution and word recall tests, but neither affected time perception or reaction time. Alcohol slightly impaired performance on a number recognition test, while marijuana did not. Ratings of perceived impairment were identical for the high doses of both drugs. The study used controlled puffing and inhalation technology to deliver alcohol (0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg) and marijuana (4, 8, or 16 puffs of 3.55% THC) to five male volunteers with moderate drug use histories.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study compared subjective and behavioral effect profiles of alcohol and smoked marijuana using technology that controlled puffing and inhalation parameters. Male volunteers (n = 5) with histories of moderate alcohol and marijuana use were administered three doses of alcohol (0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg), three doses of marijuana [4.8, or 16 puffs of 3.55% delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)], and placebo in random order under double blind conditions in seven separate sessions. Blood alcohol concentration (10-90 mg/dl) and THC levels (63-188 ng/ml) indicated that active drug was delivered to subjects dose dependently. Alcohol and marijuana produced dose-related changes in subjective measures of drug effect. Ratings of perceived impairment were identical for the high doses of alcohol and marijuana. Both drugs produced comparable impairment in digit-symbol substitution and word recall tests, but had no effect in time perception and reaction time tests. Alcohol, but not marijuana, slightly impaired performance in a number recognition test. These data are useful for understanding the relative performance impairment produced by alcohol and marijuana at the delivered doses and the relationship between their subjective and behavioral effects.