According to a recently released study of over 2,600 cannabis users from Australia, 69% of respondent (n=1,790) said the chance of being contacted by police and submitting to “roadside drug testing” was a deterring factor in choosing to drive after consuming cannabis. For those caught driving after using a cannabis product, nearly 20% of respondents felt they were not impaired after use. Highly visible enforcement efforts to detect drug and alcohol drivers is an effective strategy for increased highway safety.
This study demonstrates that the issue of driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) is of concern as its legalization continues for highway safety officials. In Australia, law enforcement uses oral fluid testing to detect drugs such as cannabis, methamphetamine, and ecstasy (MDMA) and portable breath testing for alcohol detection. 73% responded identified medical cannabis as the primary or only source of the cannabis used. Daily use was reported in 59% of the survey respondent (n=1,543).
By THC product type of choice was:
-Predominantly THC products: 42.6% (n=826)
-THC / CBD combined products:23.9% (n=546)
-THC only products: 19% (n=434)
The preferred routes of THC administration were:
-Vaporization: 36.4% (n=918)
-Oral administration: 32.8% (n=826)
-Smoking: 19% (n=434)
Read time: 10-15 minutes
Photo: Pexels.com / Kindel Media