Impairment laws for driving must be followed even in states with legal cannabis (marijuana) consumption, but here are some interesting findings regarding marijuana consumption and traffic accidents.
This prospective case control study analyzed crash participants from trauma centers in British Columbia Canada. Broad spectrum toxicology was performed on injured drivers which quantified alcohol and THC, and gave semi-quantitative levels of other impairing drugs and medications.
Police reports were used to determine who caused the accident and who was “innocently” involved. 2,318 police reports and toxicology reports from 3,005 injured drivers were used. There was a significant increase risk of crash responsibility for drivers who used alcohol, other recreational drugs and sedatives.
However, in the conclusion the authors state: “In this sample of non-fatally injured motor vehicle drivers in British Columbia, Canada, there was no evidence of increased crash risk in drivers with THC<5ng/mL and a statistically non-significant increased risk of crash responsibility in drivers with THC≥5ng/mL.” If you are a cannabis user follow your state laws, but watch out for those “other” drivers who seem to be causing accidents.
