Cannabis Legalization Is Not Linked to Car Accidents

With cannabis legalization becoming more common and popular across the entire United States, there seems to be some major concerns regarding the drug-impaired driving laws. A myth has been widely spread that cannabis legalization has led to an increased number of car crashes across the country.

The Change in Drug-Impaired Driving Laws

There have been strict changes have been made in the drug-impaired driving laws to address public concerns regarding road safety. Most states have implemented “zero-tolerance” policies against drivers that are found to be THC positive at the time of a crash. However, multiple studies have been carried out that have determined there is no link between the increased crash incidents and cannabis legalization.

The researchers indicate that the level of THC which the law considers to be higher than legal limits, is significantly low to be at risk of causing or contributing to a car crash.

Researchers Found No Link Between the Increased Car Crash Ratio & The Enactment of Legalized Cannabis Consumption Across States

Another group of researchers from the Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey, assessed the data from trauma centers carrying patients with and without adult use of cannabis over a widespread period of 12 years from 2006 to 2018.

The research found that the number of car crash victims who are cannabis positive increased relatively in every state under assessment, including: Arizona, California, Ohio, Oregon, New Jersey, and Texas. However, the greatest increase in the percentage of drivers who were cannabis positive occurred in Texas, which is a state with strict prohibitions on cannabis use. While the two states with legalized consumption, California and Oregon – fell among those states with the least increase in the percentage of cannabis positive drivers over the years.

In another related research assessment, the outcomes signaled no significant increase in the percentage of cannabis positive drivers after the legalization of cannabis. Therefore, the authors of the research state, “there’s no specified relationship between the possibility of finding the car crash victims as cannabis positive and the legalization of cannabis consumption across the United States.” They further added, “no legitimate increase has been found in the percentage of motor car crashes post cannabis legalization.”

The researchers have conducted more studies to determine whether the implementation of cannabis legalization laws is affiliated with the increased risk of car crashes. The results have always been inconsistent where some of the studies see a slight rise in the rate of car crashes while others simply do not see any relation between the two.

Cannabis Is Less Dangerous Than Alcohol for Drivers

In comparison to the impairment caused by alcohol, it is nearly impossible to measure the impairment caused by THC amongst humans. Where alcohol consumption directly relates to body weight, content, and intoxication, THC does not cause the same level of impairment in most people. Additionally, THC’s metabolic pathway’s complexity makes it difficult to determine the amount of time a cannabis consumer might need to wait before operating a vehicle. There is no proven, specified relationship between the presence of THC in your body and impaired driving.

However, the relationship between the increased car crash rates and substance abuse such as cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and other drugs is significant. In comparison to THC, these substances are much more likely to cause car crashes by 82%, says a UBC study. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines are also likely to increase the rate of car crashes by 45%. However, alcohol consumption has the highest possibility of causing car accidents than any other substance.

Get Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card Now!

Considering the above research evidence, cannabis legalization seems to have no link with the increasing ratio of car crashes across the states. However, you should always consult a medical marijuana doctor and get your medical marijuana card issued before using the miracle plant to avoid any repercussions. To get your card issued is simple. Just visit our website today and go through the patient qualification test. It will lead you to one of our finest medical marijuana doctors in Florida, who can help you obtain a medical marijuana card based on your medical condition and background if you qualify! This card can help you in purchasing medical marijuana products to help with your condition in Florida.