Cannabis: Retinal Processing

Denise A. Valenti, Xueling Zou, David Calixte, Trevor Koppy, Rhoda Nankabirwa, and Allen Mello – IMMAD LLC

Background:

Acute use of cannabis impairs functions critical or safe driving. Individual responses vary making definitive determinations of impairment significant enough to be considered an impairment to drive, difficult. IMMAD-VR is a simple test of retinal function in Virtual Reality goggles. IMMAD displays small striped squares of variable contrast. The driver simply presses a button whenever they see stripes. IMMAD-VR measures peripheral and mid central vision and thirty four states and all of Canada have laws around reduction of peripheral vision and the ability to obtain a driver’s license. As objective forensics test IMMAD is intended for use roadside by law enforcement.

Methods:

Volunteers participated in an IRB approved protocol. During the initial undosed session volunteers filled out an informed consent. Then the volunteers filled out an extensive frequency of use standardized questionnaire. They then underwent a simple eye evaluation and then used the VR system to measure retinal response. Blood was drawn at the conclusion of the first visit. The time and place for the volunteer to use their own legal product was determined and volunteers were picked up at that location and brought back to the laboratory and all tests were repeated. We only studied inhaled products. No evaluations were done with edible consumption.

Results and Discussion:

Based on the intake questionnaire, we determined categories of use. Our data are indicating several categories of use. With the categories of early initiation, chronic medicinal use, chronic recreational use and casual use

we are seeing different responses and levels of impairment.

Conclusion:

There is retinal remodeling with cannabis use. This impacts level of impairment to drive, with reductions of retinal functioning occurring across all categories. The IMMAD-VR offers an objective means to determine impairment to drive as IMMAD-VR measures functions critical for safe driving.