Last updated on October 9th, 2024 at 08:33 am
- Why It Matters: As cannabis use increases globally, understanding its effects on driving is critical for public safety and shaping responsible legislation.
- The Big Picture: A study from the University of Iowa shows that cannabis impairs driving similarly to alcohol, raising concerns about road safety amidst increasing cannabis legalization.
- What To Watch: Whether governments will introduce stricter regulations for cannabis use and driving in light of these findings, and how this will influence public policy on drug legalization.
BANGKOK, THAILAND โ In a recent Facebook post, ASSOC. PROF. DR. THIRA WORATANARAT from Chulalongkorn Universityโs Faculty of Medicine shared important findings on the impact of cannabis use on driving. Citing a study from the University of Iowa, the research compared the effects of cannabis and alcohol on driving performance and found that both substances impair driving abilities in similar ways.
Published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, the study revealed that cannabis consumption affects driving performance to a degree comparable to having a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.05%. The findings come as more countries, including Thailand, are exploring or have already enacted cannabis legalization.
DR. THIRA, however, cautioned against the relaxation of drug laws, pointing out that the negative consequences of substance abuse can be challenging to control once they are set free. “We need to educate our youth about the dangers of all substances, including cannabis, kratom, and alcohol,” he urged.
While some cannabis proponents argue for responsible legalization, opponents often cite studies like this one to highlight the potential risks. Itโs important to strike a balance between understanding cannabisโs medical benefits and ensuring public safety, especially when it comes to road use. Evidence from countries like the U.S. shows that while legalization has brought economic benefits, the risks of impaired driving cannot be ignored.
Contributing Sources: Manager Online.
