Cannabis Information for U of A Students
SIHA
Lower risk guidelines / Cannabis Use with Alcohol
CANNABIS USE WITH ALCOHOL
Using Cannabis & Alcohol Simultaneously
Individuals who are both cannabis and alcohol users tend to use them at the same time. Using them simultaneously is associated with more frequent and larger quantities of alcohol consumption (3, 4)
Impairment
Alcohol
Cannabis
Using together
Using together
Cannabis
Alcohol
Alcohol
Cannabis
Using together
Risk of Car Accidents
Perceived Effects
Loss of rationality
The impairment effects when cannabis and alcohol are used simultaneously are synergistic. These effects include:
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Multiply increased risk of getting into a car accident (4)
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Stronger perceived effects on mind and body (4)
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Increased potential to act impulsively, have poor judgement or engage in risky behaviours (2)
THC Enhancement
Using cannabis & alcohol together leads to enhanced effects of THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) as well as significantly higher blood THC levels (1, 2)
This likely explains the increased performance impairment when both are used simultaneously (1)
Page References:
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Any dose of alcohol combined with cannabis significantly increases levels of THC in blood (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) (2015). Access here
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Taking Marijuana & Alcohol Together (Alcohol.org). Access here
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Simultaneous vs. concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis in the National Alcohol Survey (Alcohol Clinical Exp Res) (2015). Access here
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Alcohol & Marijuana (Learn About Marijuana Fact Sheet) (2015). Access here
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