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Micro-drive Array for Chronic in vivo Recording: Drive Fabrication
Published on: April 20, 2009
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Effects of chronic marijuana use on driving performance
Shadi Doroudgar1, Hannah Mae Chuang1, Kimberly Bohnert1
1a College of Pharmacy , Touro University California , Mare Island, Vallejo , California.
Traffic Injury Prevention
|November 10, 2018
Summary
Chronic marijuana users exhibit slower reaction times and impaired driving performance compared to nonusers. Driving impairment in marijuana users was observed at tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations above 2-5 ng/mL.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Marijuana use, particularly chronic medical use, presents significant public health concerns regarding driving safety.
- Further research is essential to understand the driving performance of chronic marijuana users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare driving performance and Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) results between chronic marijuana users and nonusers.
- To determine the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration threshold indicative of driving impairment in chronic marijuana users.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cross-sectional study involving 31 chronic marijuana users and 41 nonusers.
- Assessment included saliva drug screening, simple visual reaction time test (SVRT), SFST (HGN, OLS, WAT), and a driving simulator (STISIM Drive M100).
- Driving parameters analyzed included standard deviation of speed (SDS) and car-following modulus; blood plasma THC levels were measured for users.
Main Results:
- Chronic marijuana users were more likely to fail SFST components (HGN, WAT) and exhibited slower SVRT.
- Users demonstrated reduced standard deviation of speed (SDS) and lower car-following modulus compared to nonusers.
- Impaired SDS and modulus were noted at THC concentrations above 2 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Chronic marijuana users display slower reaction times and altered driving dynamics, including difficulties in speed control and vehicle following.
- Specific THC blood plasma concentrations (2-5 ng/mL) are associated with measurable driving impairments in chronic users.
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