Driving under the influence of cannabis: What users think and why it matters

Studies of national cannabis trends show many U.S. adults and adolescents see cannabis as mostly harmless (Hasin, 2018, Hasin and Walsh, 2021), a view causing concern in Connecticut amid legalization, due to risks from cannabis-impaired driving. These concerns amplified the urgent need for evidence-based strategies to prevent driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC), primarily through effective public messaging. In response, this study sought to: (a) understand how cannabis users in Connecticut perceive and engage in DUIC; (b) explore their views on the legal consequences of DUIC; and (c) identify the messaging strategies they believe would be most effective in deterring this behavior. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating a statewide online survey (n = 345) and focus groups (n = 13). Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVAs, and chi-square tests, while thematic analysis was performed on focus group discussions. Among survey respondents, 228 reported they would refrain from driving high if they thought it was as risky as drunk driving, whereas 30 said they would still drive under the influence. Additionally, 262 participants expressed skepticism about law enforcement’s ability to detect cannabis impairment accurately, and 266 felt that DUIC should carry different legal penalties than drunk driving. Focus group participants identified as frequent cannabis users strongly rejected fear-based messaging and stigma, instead favoring campaigns that promoted safe driving through realistic scenarios and practical guidance. They also emphasized the importance of credible sources and relatable communication. The findings underscore the importance of user-focused, behaviorally informed traffic safety strategies and offer guidance for policymakers shaping cannabis-related road safety and education programs.