With more and more countries legalizing recreational marijuana, it’s easy to overlook the dangers that still exist when consuming the substance. Driving under the influence of marijuana comes with its own unique set of risks motorists should know.
When most people picture impaired drivers, they assume alcohol intoxication is involved. This is the most common form of impairment behind the wheel, but it’s by no means the only substance people abuse when driving.
Marijuana is also a huge concern. It affects both physical and cognitive functions, and drivers impaired by marijuana exhibit slow reaction times and poor judgment. As cannabis is legalized in more countries and used more frequently by a variety of people, it’s more important than ever to understand its impact on driving.
EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA: IS IT DANGEROUS?
The effects of marijuana vary between people and the strain consumed, and it can be difficult to predict how it will impact any given person at any given time.
In the short term, these effects are common:
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Increased appetite
Distraction
Increased heart rate
Regular marijuana use can also have many long-term implications, especially if consumed in excess. These may include:
Altered brain development in adolescents and young adults
Insomnia, which is especially common for daily users
Weakened immune system and greater risk of pneumonia
Increased blood pressure and, over time, increased risk of heart disease or stroke
Marijuana use disorder is also a cause for concern. This problem occurs when regular users are unable to abstain from consuming cannabis, even when it has a negative impact on their social lives or performance at work or school. Research from JAMA Psychiatry estimates that this disorder occurs for three in 10 users.
Prescription drugs or mental health concerns can exacerbate the complications. For example, individuals with bipolar disorder may find that their symptoms become more severe when they’re under the influence of weed. Additionally, research indicates that people with schizophrenia are more likely to experience psychosis when they use the substance.
Experts from the CDC believe that marijuana smoke can lead to many of the same heart and lung problems commonly associated with cigarette smoke. While further research is required to determine if marijuana smoke leads to an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared with tobacco use, the harmful effects of marijuana smoke are still evident.
All of these potential effects serve to amplify the dangers of mixing marijuana with the operation of a motor vehicle.
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