Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are embarking on a groundbreaking study to examine the effects of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC on driving performance. Using a driving simulator, the study aims to measure how these cannabis-derived compounds impact cognition and behavior behind the wheel.
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The Study's Focus
Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, is well-known for its intoxicating effects and is illegal in Wisconsin. In contrast, delta-8 THC, derived from hemp, exists in a legal gray area under the 2018 Farm Bill, leading to a surge in products containing the compound across the state. Both substances are being sold in various forms, such as tinctures and edibles, with little clarity about their potential to impair driving.
Heather Barkholtz, an assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy and the study's lead researcher, is addressing a significant gap in knowledge about these compounds. “What do we know about them? The answer is not much,” Barkholtz said, emphasizing the need for more research to ensure road safety.
The Pilot Trial
The study will recruit participants to test delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and a placebo. After consuming a set dose, participants will navigate a driving simulator designed to mimic real-world conditions. Researchers will assess their driving behavior and cognitive responses.
The goal is twofold:
1. To determine the extent to which delta-8 THC impairs driving compared to delta-9 THC.
2. To establish standards for product labeling, including recommendations on when users should avoid driving after consumption.
“We suspect that they are still impairing, but that it’s not necessarily one-to-one,” Barkholtz noted, referring to potential differences in the effects of delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
Implications for Public Safety and Law Enforcement
The findings could have far-reaching implications, from setting regulatory standards for THC product labeling to improving sobriety tests for law enforcement. Barkholtz envisions future studies expanding on this work to refine roadside impairment detection methods specifically for THC.
As THC products become more accessible, especially in states like Wisconsin where marijuana remains illegal, understanding their impact on public safety is critical. By shedding light on the effects of delta-8 and delta-9 THC, this research could provide valuable insights for consumers, policymakers, and law enforcement.
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