Citation

Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Sowles SJ, Zewdie K, Bierut L. Subst. Abuse 2018; 39(1): 21-26.

Affiliation

a Department of Psychiatry , Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue , St. Louis , Missouri , 63110 , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08897077.2017.1365802

PMID

28799883

Abstract

BACKGROUND: With advancing marijuana legalization in the United States, a primary concern is the possible increase in consequences relating to marijuana driving impairment, especially among people who use high potency marijuana (i.e., extracts). In this study we assessed the risk perception and experiences of driving under the influence of marijuana by investigating people who use extracts.

METHODS: Participants from two studies were queried about driving after using marijuana. In Study 1, phone interviews (n = 19) were conducted with people who use extracts. In Study 2, we conducted a nationwide survey of people who use extracts (n = 174) recruited via an online existing panel. Responses to marijuana and driving-related questions were qualitatively coded for themes (e.g. riskiness, engagement in behavior) developed by the research team.

RESULTS: Prominent themes identified in Study #1 suggested a belief that driving risk following marijuana use is dependent on the individual (i.e., response/tolerance) or the amount/type of marijuana consumed. This theme was corroborated by Study #2 participants. Those who perceived no or minimal risk from driving following marijuana use were more likely to report, engagement in driving following extracts use.

CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed to understand how marijuana, especially in its concentrated form, impacts driving ability in order to develop appropriate and scientifically sound regulations. Such research could subsequently fill the need to improve and more widely disseminate prevention messages on marijuana use and driving risks.

Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving

Language: en

Keywords

Marijuana; driving under the influence; drugged driving; impaired driving