Marijuana-Impaired Driving

Abstract

Drug-impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety and health on par with alcohol-impaired driving. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among drivers, including those seriously and fatally injured in crashes. Research confirms that marijuana use can cause significant short- and long-term impairment, putting users and others on the road at risk of crash and injury. There is no consistent relationship between the blood concentration of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, and driving impairment. There is substantial precedent and support for zero tolerance per se laws for drugs for drivers arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Administrative license revocation is another tool currently used in alcohol-impaired driving cases that could be useful for removing drug-impaired drivers from the road. Recommendations are provided for drug testing, including using new oral fluid screening technology and further research on and monitoring of marijuana-impaired driving.