Health & Wellness

Four myths about driving high: why driving and cannabis don't mix

The holidays are a time for celebration, connection and making memories—not collisions.

While many of us know the risks of drinking and driving, cannabis can also impair your ability to drive safely. One in four cannabis users admit to driving within four hours of consuming, even though THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can affect you for six hours or longer.

Cannabis affects critical driving skills

Driving after cannabis use is more common than driving after drinking alcohol, particularly among young drivers.

This is a concern because cannabis affects critical driving skills. It impairs attention, reaction times and psychomotor control.

Driving high doubles your risk of a crash and mixing cannabis with alcohol can further increase impairment. Yet, Canadians are nearly twice as likely to believe drivers will be caught for alcohol impairment (41 per cent) than for cannabis (23 per cent).

Four myths about driving high

Myth 1: "I’m not going far.”

Fact: 45 per cent of incidents happen close to home.

Myth 2: “I won't get caught.”

Fact: Police can and do test for cannabis impairment using sobriety tests, roadside devices and specialized drug recognition experts.

Myth 3: “I drive better when I’m high.”

Fact: Cannabis impairs judgment and motor skills. There is no safe level for driving.

Myth 4: “I have a high tolerance.”

Fact: Tolerance doesn’t eliminate impairment. Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous.

Tips for a safer season

Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable. Give yourself and others the gift of peace of mind: don’t drive high. Let's keep the roads safe for everyone.

Plan ahead: Arrange a ride, taxi, or transit before you consume. Save the phone numbers or apps for taxis or rideshare services in advance.

Avoid mixing: Combining cannabis with even small amounts of alcohol or other substances amplifies impairment and significantly increases the risk of collision.

Stay put: Celebrate somewhere safe without temptation to drive. There is no safe wait time after using cannabis. If you use, don’t drive.

Look out for others: Don’t let anyone drive high or ride with someone who has consumed cannabis.

 

How to get help

If your relationship with cannabis is causing you problems, know you’re not alone, and help is available.

Talk to a health-care professional today or call 310-MHSU (6478) to reach your local Mental Health and Substance Use Centre for support in your community.

If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm, you can call one of these numbers. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays:

Stories@IH

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