# Ethanol and Cannabinoid Effects on Simulated Driving and Cognition > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/ethanol-cannabinoid-driving-effects-simulated-cognition/ > **Published:** 2026-03-19T22:48:19-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:04:50-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore ethanol cannabinoid driving effects on simulated cognition and impairment in this clinical study addressing alcohol and cannabis co-use safety. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #90High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. Clinical Trial Watch  |  CED Clinic Observational StudyThcDriving ImpairmentAlcohol InteractionPsychomotor Function Trial ID NCT02709954 Phase N/A Status Active Not Recruiting Condition Cannabis Intervention Active inhaled delta-9-THC Why This Matters With increasing [cannabis legalization](https://cedclinic.com/the-forgotten-history-of-hemp-in-america/) and concurrent alcohol use, understanding the combined cognitive and psychomotor effects of these substances on driving performance addresses a critical public safety gap. This research provides essential data for evidence-based impairment detection and policy development. Clinical Summary This active observational study examines the effects of inhaled delta-9-THC, ethanol, and their combination on simulated driving performance and [cognitive function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/). The trial uses controlled administration of both substances to measure impairment patterns, reaction times, and driving simulator metrics. Currently active but not recruiting, this study aims to establish pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships between substance levels and measurable impairment. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This trial could provide the objective impairment data we desperately need to counsel patients about [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) and [driving safety](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cognitive-aging-older-adults-march-2026/). If successful, it may establish evidence-based guidelines for when patients can safely operate vehicles after [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/).” Clinical Perspective Patients using cannabis should know that objective impairment data from controlled studies like this will inform future safety recommendations. Clinicians should monitor this research as it may provide the first robust framework for advising patients about cannabis, alcohol, and driving interactions. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Ethanol%20and%20Cannabinoid%20Effects%20on%20Simulated%20Driving%20and%20Related%20Cognition%3A%20Sub-...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02709954)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02709954)[🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Ethanol%20and%20Cannabinoid%20Effects%20on%20Simulated%20Driving%20and%20Related%20Cognition%3A%20Sub-...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02709954)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02709954](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02709954) ## {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “MedicalStudy”, “headline”: “Ethanol and [Cannabinoid Effects](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-psychiatric-outcomes-2026-digest/) on Simulated Driving and Related Cognition: Sub-Study I”, “url”: “https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02709954”, “about”: “n cannabis ethanol cannabinoid effects simulated”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Potency-related effects of smoked cannabis on simulated driving performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial.](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-driving-impairment-effects-potency-safety/) This trial examines how different cannabis potencies affect simulated driving, providing insights into impairment levels. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-driving-impairment-effects-potency-safety/) [Frequent cannabis users show no driving impairment 'the morning after' after smoking, study finds](https://cedclinic.com/frequent-cannabis-use-driving-safety-no-morning-after-impairment/) Study findings suggest frequent cannabis users may not experience next-day driving impairment, highlighting tolerance effects. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/frequent-cannabis-use-driving-safety-no-morning-after-impairment/) [Study reveals negative long-term effects of heavy cannabis use on brain function and behavior](https://cedclinic.com/heavy-cannabis-use-cognitive-effects-brain-function/) Research details how chronic heavy cannabis use impacts brain function and behavior, relevant for understanding cognitive risks. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/heavy-cannabis-use-cognitive-effects-brain-function/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).