The Risks of Drugged Driving With Marijuana Use

The Risks of Drugged Driving With Marijuana Use

Getting behind the wheel too soon after using marijuana can lead to dangerous outcomes, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. A survey revealed that many marijuana users underestimate how impaired they are after consumption, endangering themselves and others on the road.

The survey found a troubling trend – 53% of cannabis users admitted to driving within an hour or less of using marijuana, a period when the effects are often at their strongest. Many respondents claimed they believed their driving ability was unaffected at this stage, with some even reporting feeling they were better drivers after using marijuana.

When Does Marijuana Impair Driving Performance?

Tom Marcotte, co-director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California San Diego and a key expert involved in the study, highlighted the dangers of driving too soon after consuming marijuana.

Referring to a separate study he conducted, participants smoked marijuana and used a driving simulator at specific intervals. Early results showed that immediately after using marijuana, 50% of participants acknowledged they didn’t feel ready to drive. However, after just 90 minutes, many participants felt the effects were subsiding and that they were fit to drive. This assumption was contradicted by the simulator results, which showed that participants were still noticeably impaired.

“We think that’s a particularly risky time where people feel it’s wearing off, but it’s not,” Marcotte commented.

The study also noted that frequent marijuana users may develop a tolerance to the active ingredient THC. However, they often compensate by consuming higher doses to feel its effects, leading to the same levels of impairment seen in infrequent users.

Common Misconceptions About Marijuana and Driving

The AAA survey further revealed that 47% of respondents believed their driving ability after cannabis use remained unchanged. Surprisingly, 19% of users thought marijuana consumption improved their driving skills.

According to Marcotte, this perception is misleading. “Some people may feel they’re better drivers because they’re more focused. But focused attention might not matter if you’re unable to perceive what’s happening in your periphery.”

Unlike alcohol impairment, which often causes reckless driving and risky behaviours like speeding, marijuana impairment can present differently. Many users adopt slower speeds to compensate, believing this makes them safer drivers. However, slower speeds do not mean improved skill or safety. Marcotte warns that impaired motor skills, brain fog, and changes in perception can still significantly increase the risk of accidents.

How Long Does Marijuana Impair Driving?

Marcotte’s findings suggest that the impairing effects of marijuana can last anywhere from 3.5 to 4 hours after use. This time frame can extend further with marijuana-infused edibles due to their slower absorption rate.

Impairments common among marijuana users include:

  • Sleepiness and slower reaction times
  • Brain fog that affects decision-making
  • Altered visual and auditory perception
  • Impaired body movement and coordination

A Role for the Cannabis Industry to Promote Safety

One compelling takeaway from AAA’s research is that cannabis brands and industry groups could play a crucial role in educating users. Almost 39% of survey participants said they trusted information about marijuana from these organisations.

By promoting responsible use and highlighting the risks of drugged driving, cannabis brands could help change behaviours and encourage safer practices. Public awareness campaigns led by these brands could yield a direct impact on reducing impaired driving incidents.

Although more research is needed, the evidence is clear – driving under the influence of marijuana can have life-altering consequences. Recognising the risks and delaying driving after cannabis use by at least 3.5 to 4 hours is essential for the safety of everyone on the road.

Source: WTOP News

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