Comparison of the Effects of Marihuana and Alcohol on Simulated Driving Performance

Abstract

The effects of marihuana, alcohol, and no treatment on simulated driving performance were determined for experienced marihuana smokers. Subjects experiencing a "social marihuana high" accumulated significantly more speedometer errors than when under control conditions, whereas there were no significant differences in accelerator, brake, signal, steering, and total errors. The same subjects intoxicated from alcohol accumulated significantly more accelerator, brake, signal, speedometer, and total errors than under normal conditions, whereas there was no significant difference in steering errors. Impairment in simulated driving performance does not seem to be a function of increased marihuana dosage or inexperience with the drug.