A new report in JAMA Psychiatry (January 26, 2022) examines a person self-perception of feeling high after using marijuana.  Authors Marcotte (et.al.) point out that the impairment felt after using marijuana can last for hours, even well after when a person thinks they are safe to drive.  

Clinical trials were conducted from 2017 – 2019 using marijuana of three (3) levels of THC potency, 13.4%, 5.9% and .02% (placebo). A driving simulator was also used to monitor effects to driving behavior. The participants (n=199) were divided into three (3) group by potency strains and were instructed to smoke the same way you would at home to get high.  When observing the driving behavior of the two (2) THC groups against the placebo group, the THC group “had a significant decline” in the driving abilities. The decline was most notable as soon as 30 minutes – 90 minutes. It was not until nearly 4 hours later when there was no significant  difference between the group. 

As to the participants subjective perception of their own state of impairment after use, a majority (nearly 70%) felt they were safe to drive after 90 minutes. This despite the fact there was no objective improvement in driving performance at that same point in time. The most favorable results in driving performance were seen at 4.5 hours after last use.  

Read Time: 10 minutes

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The Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association (LAPPA) just released their fact sheet on “Drugged Driving” (August 2021). The publication looks at findings from recent research into the issues associated to impaired driving from substances other than just alcohol. Given the current interest into the legalization of other drugs, beyond marijuana, the ramifications to highway / public safety have to be addressed and understood. Regardless of any personal position on legalization, we have to acknowledge that these choices have a broader potential impact to Americans as a whole. Following science and supporting research will help bridge those information gaps. 

Also available from LAPPA is their 2021 summary of the laws, by individual states, in America. Included with this summary is a list of resources to obtain additional information on “drugged driving”. 

Read Time: 5 – 10 minutes

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Read Time: < 10 minutes

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 “Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol” (Rosenthal & Reed) released in November 2020, is the third in the series of that report that allows for a multi-year look at the issue. It offers insight as to the growing prevalence marijuana has as related to highway safety matters and driving under the influence (DUI) under Colorado law. 

Key findings in this report include:

• Total arrests for DUI in Colorado, from 2016 – 2018, declined by 3.6%
• During the same time, positive drugs test results for marijuana in DUI cases increased by 15.5%
• Alcohol and marijuana were the most common substances detected in DUI investigations
• Nearly 50% of all screened DUI tests for marijuana exceeded the legal permissible inference limit of 5 nanograms
• Crash rates were highest among drivers that tested positive for both alcohol and marijuana

Read Time: 30 – 60 minutes

Image: Unsplash / H. Busing

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The 2018 study, “Acute Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis in Healthy Adults Who Infrequently Use Cannabis” published in JAMA, (JAMA Network Open. 2018;1(7):e184841. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.4841 ) by  (T. Spindle et.al.) provides a foundation of knowledge to this topic. This early, small group study, of low THC potency marijuana, (as compared to today’s potency levels), examines that issue. Overall, researchers found that vaporized cannabis, even at this low potency level, had a greater adverse impact with respect to the subjective effects of the drug, the impact to cognitive and psychomotor abilities, as well as to general health issues.  

The topics of THC potency levels, different administration methods and issues surrounding impairment all need to be further researched to gain an understanding of the risks that today’s more potent forms of cannabis products represent. 

Read Time: 10-15 minutes

Image: Pexels / W. Pacześ

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