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Cannabis and Driving in Older Adults
Patricia Di Ciano1,2,3, Tarek K Rajji3,4,5, Lauren Hong1
1Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
JAMA Network Open
|January 18, 2024
Summary
Older adults who use cannabis experienced impaired driving performance, including increased weaving and decreased speed, 30 minutes after smoking. Caution is advised for cannabis-using older drivers due to these effects on driving skills.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cannabis research
- Traffic safety
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link cannabis use to increased motor vehicle collision risk.
- Cannabis use is rising among older adults, yet specific driving impairment data is lacking for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cannabis on simulated driving performance in adults aged 65 years and older.
- To examine the relationship between blood tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels and driving impairment after cannabis use in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study utilized a driving simulator with an ecologically valid design.
- Participants completed driving tasks before, and at 30 and 180 minutes after, smoking cannabis or resting.
- Driving performance metrics (e.g., lateral position, speed) and blood THC levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Cannabis use significantly increased lane weaving (SDLP) and decreased mean speed (MS) at 30 minutes post-smoking in both single and dual-task driving conditions.
- These driving impairments were not observed at 180 minutes.
- Blood THC levels peaked at 30 minutes and were not correlated with driving performance metrics.
Conclusions:
- Older adults who smoke cannabis show measurable driving impairment approximately 30 minutes after use.
- Findings suggest older drivers should exercise caution and avoid driving for a period after cannabis consumption.
- Further research is needed to understand long-term effects and individual variability.
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