Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
With more and more states 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 states and used more frequently by a variety of people, it’s more important than ever to understand its impact on driving.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 18 percent of Americans used marijuana at least once in 2019. These people must not consume marijuana before getting behind the wheel.
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