High Stakes on the Road: What New Research Reveals About Cannabis Users and Driving

With cannabis consumption rising nationwide, new research reveals why so many users still drive high, and what messages might finally make them think twice.

A new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study reveals troubling trends in how cannabis users perceive and approach driving after consumption. The research, drawing on surveys of thousands of cannabis users across a spectrum of legal and illegal states, found the following:

• Daily and frequent use is common. About 44% of surveyed cannabis users reported consuming cannabis multiple times per day.
• Driving after use is the norm. About 85% said they drive the same day they consume cannabis, and more than half (53%) reported driving within an hour of use, placing them in the “ultra-high-risk” category for impaired driving.
• Perceptions of impairment vary. Only 19% believed their driving was worse after cannabis use, while nearly half (47%) felt their driving was unchanged, and over a third (34%) believed they drove better.
• Skepticism about enforcement. Less than a third (29%) believed police could reliably detect cannabis impairment, with many unsure or doubtful about law enforcement’s ability to identify impaired drivers.

AAA’s studies also explored how to deter cannabis-impaired driving through public health messaging. With cannabis now the third most commonly used substance in the country and 39 states permitting some form of legal use, understanding these attitudes is critical for public safety and effective messaging, authors stated. Researchers tested dozens of message styles and found the following:

• Messages emphasizing the selfishness and recklessness of driving high (“Driving high isn’t just reckless; it’s selfish. Think twice before getting behind the wheel after using marijuana.”) were the most effective at reducing willingness to drive after use-even among high-risk and habitual users.
• Messages focused on personal and public safety concerns performed better than those highlighting legal or financial consequences.
• Cannabis users responded best to messages that were realistic, positive, and avoided stereotypes or scare tactics. Diversity and relatability in messaging also increased engagement.
• For high-risk users, the cannabis industry itself (brands and companies) was seen as a more credible source of information than traditional public health or law enforcement groups.

AAA’s research also identified several persistent misconceptions among cannabis users, such as:

• “Cannabis is less risky than alcohol.” Many believe driving after cannabis use is safer than driving after drinking.
• “Cannabis is legal, so it’s lawful to drive after use.” Legality of use does not mean legality of impaired driving.
• “Police can’t detect cannabis impairment.” While it’s more complex than alcohol, law enforcement can and does identify cannabis-impaired drivers.

AAA’s findings underscore the need for multifaceted strategies to reduce cannabis-impaired driving including collaborating with the cannabis industry and leveraging trusted voices within the industry for public health campaigns; avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches and instead using targeted, respectful, and relatable messaging; public education clarifying that cannabis impairs driving ability, even if users feel “fine” or “better”; and focusing on how cannabis impairs reaction time, perception, and coordination, increasing crash risk.

“As injury attorneys, we see firsthand the devastating results of impaired driving, regardless of the substance involved,” said Chris Hagan, partner and attorney at the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Effective education and accountability are essential to keep our roads safe.”

Added Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark: “As cannabis use becomes more mainstream, the risks of impaired driving grow. By working together — public health, policymakers, law enforcement, and the cannabis industry — we can help prevent tragedies and make our roads safer for all.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.