This was a movie that was at the forefront - a pioneer - of de-stigmatizing "pot", though some would argue it did more harm than good showing pot consumption in a derogatory (though fucking funny) light. But we have come a long way.
There has been a ton of research on the issue and none is proof positive saying pot is a contributing factor in car accidents (i.e. bad driving). Cannabis, which is becoming legal in Canada July, 2018, is forcing provinces to confront the issue of THC consumption and driving. How to regulate? How to catch "impaired" drivers? How to convict them when caught? etc. etc.
"Surprisingly, given the alarming results of cognitive studies, most marijuana-intoxicated drivers show only modest impairments on actual road tests."
Some studies have shown that smoking pot and driving don't mix as they cause the driver to become distracted more easily and reactions can become slower. This paper, produced For the US National Library of Medicine in 3.1 "Cognitive Studies" states: "a meta-analysis of 60 studies concluded that marijuana causes impairment in every performance area that can reasonably be connected with safe driving of a vehicle, such as tracking, motor coordination, visual functions, and particularly complex tasks that require divided attention" (THE EFFECT OF CANNABIS COMPARED WITH ALCOHOL ON DRIVING)
BUT then the paper states unequivocally that "Surprisingly, given the alarming results of cognitive studies, most marijuana-intoxicated drivers show only modest impairments on actual road tests." (Robbe H. Influence of Marijuana on Driving. Maastricht, The Netherlands: University of Limburg; 1994.
"I don't believe anyone thinks having stoned drivers in their droves driving slowly on the soft shoulder admiring the trees is a good idea."
Other studies, such as Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk by Richard P. Compton and Amy Berning for the US Department of Transportation looked at how cannabis can affect driving when car crashes were a result. When pot was not combined with other drugs such as alcohol, people did not show an increase of the propensity to crash a vehicle when only THC is involved.
"The existing epidemiological research (both culpability and case-control studies) have produced contradictory estimates of risk for marijuana use. Some of these studies have suggested that marijuana use has minimal or no effect on the likelihood of crash involvement, while others have estimated a small increase in the risk of crash involvement." (Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk by Ricoone wantrhard P. Compton and Amy Berning)
Regardless of the studies, I don't believe anyone thinks having stoned drivers in their droves driving slowly on the soft shoulder admiring the trees is a good idea. And law enforcement groups and politicians are demanding a way to manage this.
"The article is written by CNN Money, which shows just how hot this topic is!"
Cannalyzer is just what it says on the package: a breathalyzer for cannabis. There are a host of new companies clamouring to be the "leader" in being the goto product for cannabis testing at roadside (or workplace etc.). HERE is a run-down of the top products. The article is written by CNN Money, which shows just how hot this topic is!
Next post is going to delve into the technology behind these products and we'll hear from one of them as to where they feel the market is headed. In the meantime, be careful what and when you smoke if you are going to be driving. That cop who could pull you over may just have a new tool to test if you are high!
