Understanding that cannabis impairs driving increasing but Canadians still driving high

One in four cannabis users say they have operated a vehicle while under the influence, according to research conducted by Public Safety Canada in 2022.

While the number has not increased — it is on par with years prior — driving under the influence remains a key concern for the Government of Canada and police forces across the country.

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, more drivers are willing to operate a vehicle after using cannabis than consuming alcohol. Top reasons people drive under the influence of cannabis are because they do not feel impaired, think they can drive carefully, do not have to drive far, do not have alternative transportation and do not think they will be caught by law enforcement.

Regardless, there is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of cannabis as drugs as such impact everyone differently. Cannabis can affect motor skills, slow reaction time, impair short-term memory and concentration and reduce ability to make quick decisions or handle unexpected events. All of these impacts can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers and other vehicles on the road.

Despite 26 per cent of cannabis users saying they have operated a vehicle under the influence, 86 per cent of Canadians believe that cannabis impairs a drivers’ ability, and 82 per cent believe it is unacceptable for people they know to drive high.

Renewed caution from the government comes as the OPP’s 2023 Annual Report concluded that impaired driving charges are on the rise across the province of Ontario. In 2023 Ontario Provincial Police laid 11,142 driving charges, up nine per cent from 2022 and 17 per cent from 2021. Impaired driving charges made up six per cent of all roadway charges laid last year.

Driving under the influence can result in consequences like a criminal charge, licence suspension, prison time or a hefty fine.

Police are trained to detect drivers under the influence and enforce drug-impaired driving laws using Standard Field Sobriety Testing and Drug Recognition Expert.

In addition to these tests, law enforcement can use approved drug screening devices to detect the recent presence of several drugs, including any or all of THC from cannabis and other substances.