As medicinal marijuana becomes more widely prescribed for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety and neurological disorders, its implications for driving safety have become of increasing concern. This article explores the effects of medicinal marijuana on driving and the different types that may impact driving ability.
How medicinal marijuana affects driving
Medicinal marijuana can impact several cognitive and motor functions necessary for safe driving including:
- Slowed reaction time – displayed as a delayed response to sudden hazards or changes in traffic conditions.
- Impaired judgment – could be observed as difficulty assessing risks and making split-second decisions.
- Reduced coordination – may impact on an individual’s ability to steer, brake or accelerate smoothly.
- Altered perception – this can present as distorted time perception and spatial awareness, which can affect lane positioning and speed control.
- Drowsiness or fatigue – some strains and dosages can cause sedation or excessive tiredness.
Types of medicinal marijuana and the impact on driving
Not all medicinal marijuana products affect driving the same way. The level of impairment depends on THC content, CBD-to-THC ratio, method of consumption and dosage.
1.THC-dominant strains: high THC content is linked to slower reaction times, impaired coordination and altered judgment.
2. CBD-dominant strains: CBD is non-intoxicating and does not impair driving ability in the same way as THC. However, trace THC amounts in some CBD products may still cause mild impairment.
3. Balanced THC:CBD strains (1:1 ratio): these strains have milder intoxicating effects but can still pose risks.
4. Edibles and capsules: the effects of these products take longer to be apparent (~30 min to 2 hours) but last longer and are often stronger. This delayed onset can cause unexpected impairment.
5. Tinctures and sublingual sprays: faster onset of efficacy than edibles but longer duration than smoking. High-THC tinctures can still impair cognition and reaction time.
6. Vaporisers and smoking: quick onset (within minutes) of efficacy but high-THC strains and frequent use can lead to significant impairment.
Legal and ethical considerations
It is not legal to drive with any amount of THC in your system in all states and territories of Australia excepting Tasmania. The presence of THC in your system, regardless of whether it’s from medicinal or recreational cannabis, is a drug-driving offense; even if the substance is prescribed by a healthcare provider, the consumption of medicinal marijuana does not exempt individuals from the road laws. Therefore, a valid prescription for medicinal cannabis does not provide a defence against a charge if you test positive for THC in a roadside drug test.
Occupational therapy driving assessment
Due to the legal implications of driving when using products containing THC, it is important that your treating specialist, doctor or GP, provides you with clear information on the type of medicinal marijuana prescribed including the content of drug. Should you be prescribed with medicinal marijuana that contains THC, you will not be able to engage in an occupational therapy driving assessment for legal and safety reasons. Should you wish to continue driving and using medicinal marijuana, it is necessary to have a discussion with your treating specialist, doctor or GP about your intentions and medications or medicinal marijuana that does not contain THC.
Conclusion
While medicinal marijuana provides therapeutic benefits for many individuals, its effects on cognitive and motor functions can impair an individual’s driving ability. THC-dominant products, edibles and high doses of any form of marijuana pose the greatest risks to impairing the ability to drive.
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