MARIJUANA AND DRIVING 

Wouldn't relaxation of the marijuana laws lead to more highway deaths ? 

Not likely, and quite possibly less. In general, most studies have indicated that marijuana users drive as well or better than those who are drug free. [1] 

Valid concerns: 

- Inexperienced users will generally perform poorly under the influence. 

- Heavy combined use of both marijuana and alcohol is more dangerous than use of alcohol alone 

- There is no currently available technology that can quickly measure current impairment by marijuana itself. (This is another reason to favor general testing for impairment, whether due to fatigue, drugs or other factors.) 

 

Perspective: 

- Laws against driving under the influence would likely be the same for marijuana as now exist for alcohol. 

- Use of marijuana is now so widespread that no significant change in use is likely regardless of the laws; individual responsibility will govern as always. 

- To the extent that marijuana use might replace alcohol use, the roads would be safer. (Light marijuana use in combination with alcohol may also decrease the dangers of alcohol use.) 

- Experienced users who have had a chance to practice various tasks do not appear to be significantly impaired when repeating those tasks. [2] 

- A normal drug effect is for alcohol to promote reckless behavior and for marijuana to induce caution. [1]