Did you think that alcohol was the only culprit in road accidents? Unfortunately, it’s not. In fact, many people are unaware of how cannabis affects driving and get behind the wheel without taking it into account.
Sadly, the influence of cannabis while driving is the cause of numerous accidents. Therefore, at B2Weed, we delve into its effects on the body and how this substance can increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, we explain how authorities detect it.
How does cannabis really affect driving?
Driving under the influence of cannabis is extremely dangerous due to its significant and diverse effects, which pose a serious threat to road safety.
Research conducted by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) details how cannabis affects driving. Among its effects, they point out that marijuana, besides increasing the probability of traffic accidents, impairs the driver’s ability to drive a vehicle safely.
But how do these effects of marijuana manifest? First, there is a noticeable decrease in the driver’s reaction speed, leading to slower response times to sudden or emergency situations on the road. And, as you know, this reduction in reflexes can make the difference between avoiding an accident or not.
Moreover, cannabis consumption severely affects motor coordination. Drivers may experience difficulties in maintaining precise and stable driving, resulting in erratic movements such as weaving between lanes.
Another very dangerous aspect is the false sense of security that cannabis consumption can induce. One may erroneously perceive oneself as being capable of driving without issues, even when one’s abilities are highly compromised. This distorted perception can lead to riskier behaviors and less attention to traffic conditions, further increasing the danger.
Lastly, it is important to note that contrary to some beliefs, regular cannabis users do not show improvement in adapting or habituating to the negative effects of the drug. According to studies by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, even frequent users show substantial impairments in their driving ability, debunking the notion of significant tolerance.
Risks and Effects on Perception
As mentioned, the way cannabis affects driving brings with it very serious risks and effects. But which part of the body is specifically affected?
Perceptual and Cognitive Alterations
The individual’s cognition (a process involving knowledge, perception, memory, thinking, and judgment) and sensory perception are highly affected.
When perception is impaired, a distorted view of the surroundings is generated, which can lead to errors in judgment about speed, distance, and the location of objects on the road. Therefore, this distortion is especially dangerous because it reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
Another notable effect is slower response times. As mentioned above, reaction times are prolonged, leading to slower responses to critical situations, such as sudden braking or evasive maneuvers.
Sleep
A well-known effect of cannabis is drowsiness. However, while driving, we want to be as alert as possible to avoid accidents. Therefore, this fatigue or even microsleeps caused by smoking marijuana can be very dangerous as they result in a lack of alertness and a decreased ability to stay awake.
Additionally, cannabis negatively affects both fine and gross motor coordination. How? The precise movements needed to maintain vehicle control, such as steering, adjusting speed, and braking smoothly and progressively, are compromised. This lack of coordination can then manifest in unstable or imprecise movements.
The Danger of Mixing Substances
Among the worst actions we can take before driving, mixing marijuana with alcohol is one of the worst. One of the main reasons is that both substances combined exponentially multiply their effects.
We must understand that both marijuana and alcohol are central nervous system depressants and act synergistically, further impairing the driver’s cognitive and motor functions. This combination can be fatal, leading to loss of vehicle control and increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
The Body’s Snitch: Saliva
Now, how is the presence of cannabis detected in the body?
Due to the effects of cannabis on driving, various types of tests have been designed. State authorities use saliva drug tests to identify drivers who have consumed marijuana.
These tests also detect substances such as amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates and are an effective method for obtaining quick results that can later be confirmed in the laboratory. The detection threshold in saliva allows for the identification of drugs up to approximately one hour after consumption, although in exceptional cases, positivity can extend to several days depending on the person and the amount consumed.
Process and Functioning
During a saliva drug test, a traffic officer first requests a saliva sample from the driver. Then, the sample is collected using a device that allows for rapid and accurate on-site analysis. This process aims to detect the presence of recent psychoactive substances in the driver’s system.
Another feature of this test is that the results are known almost immediately and can provide a clear indication. However, these preliminary results are not definitive and may require additional confirmation in a forensic laboratory to validate the presence and exact amount of the detected substance.
Detection Threshold and Positivity Time
As mentioned above, the detection threshold in saliva ranges from minutes to about an hour after consumption. However, this interval can vary depending on the type of drug, the amount consumed, and the individual’s metabolic characteristics.
Laboratory Confirmation
As a final step, if a saliva screening test yields a positive result, a second sample may be taken for confirmation in a forensic laboratory. This step is essential to accurately establish the presence of drugs in the body and provide the basis for any subsequent legal or administrative actions, such as fines or driving license suspension.
What are the legal consequences?
Once a positive test result is confirmed, the driver will be subject to current legislation penalizing this type of conduct. Thus, the consequences for driving under the influence of drugs vary by country. It should be noted that in Spain, they are severe, with fines up to 1,000 euros and the loss of 6 points on the driver’s license.
However, we should not overlook that the use of drugs under medical prescription is exempt from these sanctions, provided it does not compromise the ability to drive safely.
Awareness and Prevention in Driving
As you can see, how cannabis affects driving can have very serious consequences for the driver and others. It is essential to be aware of these effects to take the wheel at the right time and prevent accidents that could endanger human lives or cause irreparable damage.
At B2Weed, we provide this information and much more related to the world of cannabis to keep you always updated. Additionally, we are committed to helping you manage your cannabis brand. That is why we strive to offer you management software that enhances your brand. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact our team so we can assist you.
