A survey of 200 active cannabis users found that heavier use, dependence, emotional dysregulation, and psychopathology were all associated with greater use of other substances and driving under the influence.
Road safety researchers, substance use counselors, and clinical psychologists.
200 cannabis users surveyed on poly-substance use and driving
What the researchers found
Cannabis users were significantly more likely than non-users (n=833 comparison group) to have used other drugs in the past 12 months. Among cannabis users, degree of use, likely dependence, psycho-social motives, emotion dysregulation, and psychopathology predicted frequency of using other substances and driving impaired.
Why it matters
Understanding what psychological factors connect cannabis use to other substance use and impaired driving can help road safety and treatment programs target the right risk factors rather than treating all cannabis users the same.
The numbers in context
200 active cannabis users and 833 non-users. Cannabis users were far more likely to use other drugs. No significant differences in substance use behaviors or psychological dysfunction between medicinal and black-market cannabis users (except age).
How the study worked
Online survey of 200 active adult cannabis users with screening criteria, plus comparative data from 833 non-cannabis users. Used bivariate correlations, multiple regressions, and ANOVA comparing medicinal vs. black-market users.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether cannabis use leads to other substance use or vice versa. Relatively small cannabis user sample. Self-reported driving behavior. Online convenience sample may not be representative.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional survey with regression analysis but small sample and self-reported outcomes.
When this study was published
2024 study of active adult cannabis users.
The bigger picture
The finding that emotional dysregulation and psychopathology predict poly-substance use and impaired driving suggests that psychological interventions, not just substance-specific ones, could reduce harm across multiple risky behaviors simultaneously.
Questions still open
- Would interventions targeting emotional regulation skills reduce both poly-substance use and impaired driving among cannabis users? Does the type of cannabis product matter for these associations?
Common questions
Were cannabis users more likely to use other drugs?
What predicted driving under the influence?
Did medicinal vs. black-market users differ?
Read the original research
Is cannabis a slippery slope? Associations between psychological dysfunctioning, other substance use, and impaired driving, in a sample of active cannabis users.
PloS one, 19(10), e0310958
Citation
Love, Steven; Rowland, Bevan; Armstrong, Kerry. (2024). Is cannabis a slippery slope? Associations between psychological dysfunctioning, other substance use, and impaired driving, in a sample of active cannabis users.. PloS one, 19(10), e0310958. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310958
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