Study: 85% of Cannabis Consumers Drive the Same Day as Consumption

A study released by AAA this month found nearly 85% of cannabis consumers drive on the same day as consumption, with 53% admitting to consuming a cannabis product an hour or less prior to driving. Another 46.9% said they drive the same as when they have not consumed cannabis, while 14.7% said they drive a little better and 19.4% saying they drive much better. 

The study found that 44.1% of respondents consumed cannabis multiple times per day and 57.8% of respondents also drive daily. 

Another study released by the organization last month sought to gain a better “understanding of attitudes, perceptions, and reasons for driving under the influence” in an effort to “inform the development of messages to deter cannabis impaired driving.” That study found that 38.6% of respondents said they would trust messaging about cannabis use and safe driving from cannabis industry groups and cannabis brands or companies (37.3%). The study concluded that “messages that highlighted personal responsibility and safety concerns performed better than messages based on legal risks.”  

In a press release, Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy, said that “Effective messaging about cannabis-impaired driving needs to include credible voices, real-world scenarios, and respectful language.” 

Participants also preferred realistic, positive, and diverse messaging that avoids stereotypes.    

“Individuals who consume cannabis come from all walks of life,” he added, “and that should be reflected in the messaging.”