Is Weed Worse Than Alcohol For Driving? New Study Challenges Common DUI Assumptions

Published in 2024 in "Accident Analysis & Prevention," the study led by Esther K. Choo, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Emergency Medicine at OHSU delves into the comparative effects of cannabis and alcohol on driving safety, challenging longstanding DUI assumptions.

Research Methodology

Conducted in emergency departments across Denver, Colorado,

Portland, Oregon and Sacramento, California, the research focuses on injured drivers involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and non-injured drivers seeking medical care.

Analyzing Substance Effects

Through blood samples, interviews, and multiple logistic regression analysis, the study differentiated the effects of cannabis and alcohol on driving safety.

Key Findings

Findings indicate that while cannabis use alone showed no significant association with increased MVC risk, the use of alcohol alone, or in combination with cannabis, significantly heightened the likelihood of crashes.

Alcohol’s Impact

The study, examining the influence of cannabis and alcohol on MVC risks reveals that cannabis use alone does not elevate the odds of MVCs. Notably, acute alcohol consumption was linked to a more considerable increase in MVC odds, contrasting with high levels of self-reported cannabis use, which were associated with lower MVC odds in some analyses. 

Policy Implications

This study suggests that policies and interventions should prioritize addressing alcohol consumption among drivers rather than focusing solely on cannabis use.

A Call for Nuanced DUI Laws

The evidence points towards the need for a nuanced approach to DUI laws, emphasizing actual driving impairment and clinical signs of intoxication over mere substance presence.

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