How does marijuana affect driving?
Cannabis can cause drowsiness and worsen the functions that are critical to safe driving. The dangers include slower reaction time, altered perception of speed and distance, and reduced coordination. All can increase the risk of a collision.
Reliable roadside tests for detection of marijuana use are still under development. While some tests can identify the presence of cannabis, the results alone cannot yet prove the level of impairment.
Can you be arrested for driving under the influence of cannabis?
Driving under the influence of medicinal or recreational marijuana – or anything that impairs your ability to drive – is a crime. A first offense can lead to possible jail time, loss of driver’s license, and a criminal record. Fines, court costs, auto insurance increases, and legal fees can total up to $21,000.
The total numbers of ER visits and poison control-calls are still low compared with other household poisonings. But as more marijuana becomes available, especially in forms that appeal to children such as brownies and gummy bears, child emergencies may continue to increase and need to be guarded against.
Can marijuana affect brain development?
Cannabis use can have long-lasting or permanent effects on the developing adolescent brain.
It contributes to decreased problem-solving skills, reduced attention span, and poor memory.
Is it okay to use medical marijuana when driving?
In California, it is unsafe and illegal to drive under the influence of any substance that causes mental or physical impairment, including marijuana. Medical marijuana users are not exempt from this law and may not drive under the influence or while using cannabis. It is also against the law to drive a vehicle with marijuana not in a sealed container.
As medical and recreational marijuana access and use increase across the country, research about the possible benefits must be balanced with a focus on public safety for individuals and communities.