Ethanol enhances JWH-018-induced impairment of sensorimotor and memory functions in mice: From preclinical evidence to forensic implication in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Background: Several new Synthetic Cannabinoids have appeared each year since their introduction into the illicit drug market as recreational drugs. Among these, naphtalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-018) is one of the most detected compounds in biological samples from patients involved in intoxication or death cases. Furthermore, consumption of JWH-018 has been linked to several cases of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) suggesting that effects induced by this compound can affect individuals' ability to drive. Methods: Given the high spread of polydrug consumption and the wide number of alcohol-related traffic accidents, this study aims to investigate the acute effects induced by co-administration of JWH-018 with ethanol on sensorimotor and motor responses, grip strength and memory functions in CD-1 male mice. Acute impairments induced by JWH-018 and ethanol alone have also been investigated, in order to compare their effects with that induced by their concurrent administration. Results: In vivo behavioral experiments revealed a worsening of the cognitive and sensorimotor disruption after the co-administration of JWH-018 with ethanol compared to single compounds. Conclusions: These animal-based findings suggest a potential increased impairment on psychomotor performances which could be related to driving abilities posed by poly-drug consumption involving SCs and ethanol.