Previous research has demonstrated that concurrent use of alcohol and
cannabis is highly prevalent and is associated with a host of negative
consequences. The current study examined the effects of alcohol
administration on the urge to use marijuana and sex differences in a sample
(N = 37, 46% females) of non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers who reported
marijuana use in the last six months. Alcohol was administered
intravenously. Participants rated their urge to use marijuana at baseline
and at brACs .02, .04, and .06 g/dl on a 10-point Likert Scale. The Time
Line Follow Back, AUDIT, and CUDIT were assessed to determine alcohol and
marijuana problems. Analyses revealed a significant Sex × Alcohol
interaction (β=1.19, SE=0.59, t=2.03, p <.05), as well as a main effect of
sex (β=-1.62, SE=0.74, t=-2.18, p <.05) and a main effect of alcohol
(β=-1.15, SE=0.41, t=-2.78, p <.05). These findings revealed that craving
for marijuana escalated for males when alcohol increased relative to
females. If these results are supported by future studies, they may
elucidate unique mechanisms by which men may be more vulnerable to the
effects of alcohol as a trigger to use marijuana.
