A systematic review of 70 studies found attitudes toward driving after cannabis use are predominantly negative but mixed, with youth, men, and frequent users viewing it more favorably, and perceived risk of getting caught remaining low.
Traffic safety advocates, public health communicators, cannabis policy makers
DACU viewed as less risky than drunk driving
What the researchers found
Six themes emerged: (1) attitudes are mixed (35 studies negative, 20 studies with opposing views); (2) youth, men, and frequent users view DACU more favorably; (3) attitudes predict past and intended DACU; (4) DACU viewed more favorably than drunk driving; (5) relationship with legalization unclear; (6) perceived apprehension risk is low to moderate.
Why it matters
Attitudes predict behavior. Understanding who views cannabis-impaired driving favorably and why can help design targeted prevention campaigns, particularly for young males and frequent cannabis users.
The numbers in context
70 studies from 7 countries (primarily US and Canada). 35 studies: predominantly negative attitudes. 20 studies: opposing/favorable views. DACU consistently viewed as less risky than drunk driving.
How the study worked
Systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and TRID through February 2024. 70 studies from 7 countries analyzed using inductive thematic synthesis.
What this study cannot tell us
Heterogeneous study designs and attitude measures. Predominantly US/Canada data. Attitudes may not directly translate to behavior. Cannot assess actual driving impairment from attitude data.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive systematic review of 70 studies across 7 countries provides strong synthesis, but heterogeneous measures limit precise conclusions.
When this study was published
2024 systematic review searching through February 2024
The bigger picture
The finding that cannabis-impaired driving is consistently seen as less dangerous than drunk driving, combined with low perceived risk of getting caught, creates a permissive environment for DACU. This may explain why cannabis-related traffic incidents are increasing post-legalization.
Questions still open
- Would increasing enforcement visibility change perceived apprehension risk? Do attitude-change campaigns reduce cannabis-impaired driving? Should messaging compare cannabis impairment to alcohol impairment?
Common questions
Do people think driving after cannabis is dangerous?
Is driving after cannabis seen as safer than driving after alcohol?
Read the original research
Attitudes toward driving after cannabis use: a systematic review.
Journal of cannabis research, 6(1), 37
Citation
Boicu, Bianca; Al-Hakim, Durr; Yuan, Yue; Brubacher, Jeffrey. (2024). Attitudes toward driving after cannabis use: a systematic review.. Journal of cannabis research, 6(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-024-00240-0