Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis

A 2023 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey found that 94% of people say driving while over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is very or extremely dangerous, but only 70% believe it is dangerous to drive within an hour of consuming cannabis. Some people even think that cannabis use improves their driving. But research confirms that cannabis directly affects the parts of the brain responsible for attention, decision-making, coordination, and reaction time, which are all critical for safe driving.” (Governors Highway Safety Association)

Specific effects of marijuana on driving:

• Slower reaction time: Marijuana can slow down the time it takes to react to situations, which is crucial for safe driving.
• Impaired judgment: Marijuana can affect decision-making, making it harder to assess risks and react appropriately while driving.
• Reduced coordination: The ability to coordinate hand-eye movements and body movements can be impaired, making it difficult to control the car and navigate safely.
• Distorted perception of time and distance: Marijuana can alter the way a driver perceives time and distance, leading to misjudgments about speed and spacing.
• Reduced attention and focus: Marijuana can make it harder to maintain attention and focus on the road, increasing the risk of missing important cues.
• Increased risk of lane weaving and erratic driving: Studies have shown that drivers under the influence of marijuana tend to weave in and out of lanes more often and exhibit more erratic driving behavior.

Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and dangerous, even in states where recreational marijuana is legal. It's important to wait until the effects of marijuana have worn off before driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal everywhere.

Our partner, DUID Victim Voices has published several insightful blogs on marijuana and driving. These writings align with our core beliefs on the matter.

Incompetence or Dishonesty?
Cannabis Vs. Marijuana
The Folly of 5 ng/ml THC inference level
Why Parents are Testing their Kids for Drug User