Road security

Weed behind the wheel: Stoned drivers now more common in US than drunk ones

Stoned driving is on the rise in the US, with a new study showing that THC – the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis – is now the most commonly detected intoxicating substance in American drivers.

Following the legalization of cannabis in some states, Americans are getting higher than ever before, with an estimated 15 billion hours under the influence of cannabis each year. A newly released paper, ‘Driving While Stoned: Issues and Policy Options’ reports that the number of people driving while high is therefore likely to increase… and the science behind accurate drug testing for cannabis products is yet to catch up.

The paper calls on stoned driving to be made a traffic offence, adding that the government should invest in messages that highlight the dangers and risks of marijuana on the motorway, as many users believe that THC does not have an impact on driving ability.