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Medical cannabis and driving
Thomas R Arkell1, Danielle McCartney2, Iain S McGregor3
1PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Vic.
Australian Journal of General Practice
|June 1, 2021
Summary
Medical cannabis containing THC can impair driving and increase crash risk, lasting up to 8 hours. Cannabidiol (CBD) does not impair driving, but THC use may lead to positive roadside tests and legal issues.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Medical cannabis use is rising in Australia.
- Patients and physicians require awareness of cannabis's driving implications.
- Understanding these implications is crucial for patient safety and legal compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review scientific evidence on cannabis and driving impairment.
- Discuss current legal issues for medical cannabis patients.
- Update physicians on guidance for patients using medical cannabis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence.
- Analysis of legal frameworks concerning cannabis and driving.
- Synthesis of current medical guidance.
Main Results:
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairs driving and elevates crash risk, especially in occasional users, with effects lasting up to 8 hours for oral products.
- No evidence suggests cannabidiol (CBD) impairs driving.
- Medical cannabis patients may fail roadside drug tests and face legal sanctions, as use does not exempt them.
Conclusions:
- Patients using THC-containing products must avoid driving and operating machinery, particularly during treatment initiation and after dosing.
- Physicians should advise patients on the risks of driving under the influence of THC.
- Awareness of legal implications, including roadside testing, is essential for medical cannabis users.
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