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Development of a Preclinical Inhalation Model to Test Vaporized Cannabis Distillates
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Cannabis and Driving: Developing Guidelines for Safety Policies.
Federico Manetti1, Silvio Chericoni2, Anna Marrocco3
1Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Driving under the influence of cannabinoids is debated due to regulatory changes. A quantitative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cut-off is recommended for impaired driving policies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Cannabinoid Pharmacology
- Road Safety
Background:
- Cannabinoid regulation is dynamic, impacting cognitive and psychomotor skills.
- Impairment of driving skills is a key concern for public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of cannabinoids on driving skills.
- To evaluate current regulatory policies for driving under the influence of cannabinoids.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on cannabinoid effects on driving.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic data and metabolite presence.
- Examination of different regulatory policy models.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids and metabolites show prolonged positivity in biological fluids, especially with chronic use.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration affects driving automatisms, while cognitive skills remain intact at higher doses.
- Uncertainty remains regarding combined substance use, chronic consumption, and other cannabinoids.
Conclusions:
- A quantitative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cut-off between 3.5-5 ng/ml is the most balanced regulatory approach.
- Identified pitfalls in scientific and legislative fields require improvement for enhanced safety policies.
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