Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/221126

Title

Cannabis and its effects on pilot performance and flight safety: a review

Author(s)

Newman, David G.

Abstract

Cannabis is a commonly used recreational drug, which has widespread effects within the body. Smoking is the most common form of administration. The adverse effects of cannabis on behaviour, cognitive function and psychomotor performance are dose-dependent and related to task difficulty. Complex tasks such as driving or flying are particularly sensitive to the performance impairing effects of cannabis. Chronic cannabis use is associated with a number of adverse health effects, and there is evidence suggesting the development of tolerance to chronic use as well as a well-defined withdrawal syndrome. There is also evidence that the residual effects of cannabis can last up to 24 hours. Significantly, the modern dose of cannabis is much more potent than in the past, when the majority of the research was conducted. As such, the reported adverse health effects may well be conservative. Although only a limited number of studies have examined the effects of cannabis on pilot performance, the results overall have been consistent.

Publication type

Report

Source

Australian Transport Safety Bureau reports, (Mar 2004)

Publication year

2004

Keyword(s)

Cannabis;  Drug use;  Flight safety;  Health effects;  Pilot performance;  Recreational drugs;  Residual effects

Publisher

Australian Transport Safety Bureau

ISBN

9781877071577, 1877071579

Publisher URL

http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2004/cannabis_pilot_performance.aspx

Copyright

Copyright © 2004 As ATSB believes that safety information is of greatest value if it is passed on for the use of others , copyright restrictions do not apply to material printed in this report. Readers are encouraged to copy or reprint for further distribution, but should acknowledge ATSB as the source.