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.  

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Using set dosing levels of THC (20mg, 10mg and 2.3mg) researchers established that there was a “… significant positive association…” of these THC dosage levels and “light-headedness and perception disorder”. The authors note that perception disorders were found in 2 of the numerous studies used in the report.

In their findings the authors note that, in addition to the increase incident risk ratios from use, that adults over 50 should exercise caution in using THC due to increased risk of fall from  “light-headedness and dizziness”. No association with other neuropsychiatric adverse effect was reported by participants and further studies into this area are needed.  

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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. 

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The December 1st, 2020 edition of JAMA (Vol. 324, No. 21) released the results of a study into impaired driving from the Netherlands titled, “Effect of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Driving Performance” by T. Arkell (et.al.). The near year-long study examined the effects of vaporized cannabis products on safe driving performance. Of 41 potential participants,  26 individuals with a history of “occasional cannabis use”, were screened and selected to be part of this study. The term, “occasional cannabis use” was defined as less than twice a week in past 12 months or more than 10 lifetime exposures.

During the study, that focused on how well the drivers maintained lane position on a roadway, all drivers were administered marijuana that was either THC dominant (22% THC potency), Cannabidiol dominant (9% CBD potency), or a placebo. During and after the driving sessions blood was collected for analysis. Also, drivers provided their subjective feedback on their driving quality, sense of impairment, and confidence to safely operate a motor vehicle. Note: Of the 188 monitored drives by participants, 16 had to be stopped for safety reasons. 

Some of the findings for the drivers that used THC products, compared to the CBD and placebo drivers included:

• A lower confidence level in their driving ability
• A lower perception of their driving quality
• A higher sense of impairment 

The study showed that: 

• The THC drivers had greater difficulty in maintaining lane position up to 5-hours after use
• The drivers who used a CBD dominant or a placebo product, demonstrated no significant differences in their performance

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