However, despite this shift in opinion, survey respondents still believed that marijuana (ranked #8 for harmfulness) is less harmful than other substances such as alcohol (ranked #7), and cigarettes (ranked #1). In their summary, Gallup authors noted that, “… slim majorities now believe marijuana has a negative effect on its users and society as a whole.” 

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Researchers noted that the Copper concentrations discovered could be responsible for exposures that are 4.5 to 11 times greater than the established safe exposure limits. Elements like Copper were noted to, “…play a significant role in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Wilson’s disease.” (A buildup of Copper in the liver, brain and other organs resulting in life-threatening organ damage.) 

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These are some of the findings released in a research letter, “Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Workplace Injuries Among Younger Workers” by authors (Ling, L. et.al.) published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The study was attempting to determine if there’s an association in workplace injuries and legalized commercial adult use marijuana. The authors used historical data (2006 – 2020) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses”. 

The authors note that this is a small-scale study (N=632) of state reported injury cases and is limited by the amount of time (years) that has lapsed since legalization was adopted. However, it demonstrates the need for continued monitoring of legal marijuana impacts in the workplace.

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This study examined cannabis use and driving impairment in older drivers. This small-scale cohort study of this age group (N=31) occurred in Toronto, Canada from March to November 2022. Utilizing a driving simulator for evaluation, drivers consumed THC dominant cannabis, researchers examined driving behavior at 30 and 180 minutes (3-hours) after last cannabis exposure. While blood THC and THC metabolite levels were elevated at the 30-minute mark, it had declined at the 180-minute mark. 

Weaving within a lane was the was the most common short-term driving behavior observed. Failure to maintain driving speed, as proposed by the authors, was in response to, “… the subject’s awareness that they were intoxicated”.Participants provided their personal subjective assessment of impairment and expressed being “less willing to drive” from 3 – 5 hours after their last exposure.

Of note was that the participants reported their cannabis habits as primarily recreational, more than once per week, and the cohort reported historical use for the past 40 years (mean value).   

More research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis upon driving behavior. Based upon existing research, it demonstrates that cannabis does have a detrimental effect on users who elect to drive after consumption regardless of years of use and tolerance.    

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The authors, (Han, B. et.al.) call upon medical providers to be proactive and to routinely inquire of their geriatric patients concerning any cannabis use to make informed choices for patient care.

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