Cannabis and Driving: Data and Research

Driving high is dangerous, and we want cannabis users and the general public to have the facts on the impacts of cannabis-impaired driving. There is a growing body of state data and academic research that shows cannabis does have physiological effects that impair driving – and that people are being injured and killed as a result.

State and National Data Resources on Cannabis-Impaired Driving

Chart titled "Fatalities in Crashes with Driver Testing Positive for 5ng/mL or Greater Delta - 9 THC, 2018 – 2022". The chart shows data points indicating the percentage of fatalities involving a driver testing positive for Delta - 9 THC at or above 5ng/mL from 2018 to 2022. 2018 noted 42 fatalities, 2019 had 56, 2020 had 52, 2021 had 91 and 2022 had 101 fatalities.Chart titled "Driving after Using Cannabis". Displays the percentage of cannabis consumers who reported driving within 2–3 hours of use from 2018 to 2022. The percentages are: 2018: 15.0%, 2019: 18.6%, 2020: 17.5%, 2021: 17.5%, 2022: 22.3% Chart titled "Polydrug Involvement Among Drivers in Fatal Crashes, 2017-2022". Shows the percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes who tested positive for multiple drugs from 2017 to 2022: 2017: 22%, 2018: 24%, 2019: 19%, 2020: 20%, 2021: 25%, 2022: 29% Gráfico titulado "Participación de polidrogas entre conductores en accidentes fatales, 2017-2022". Muestra el porcentaje de conductores involucrados en accidentes fatales que dieron positivo por múltiples drogas desde 2017 hasta 2022: 2017: 22%, 2018: 24%, 2019: 19%, 2020: 20%, 2021: 25%, 2022: 29%.

Gráfico titulado "Fatalidades en accidentes con conductores que dieron positivo por 5ng/mL o más de Delta-9 THC, 2018–2022". El gráfico muestra puntos de datos que indican el porcentaje de fatalidades que involucraron a un conductor que dio positivo por Delta-9 THC en o por encima de 5ng/mL desde 2018 hasta 2022. En 2018 se registraron 42 fatalidades, en 2019 hubo 56, en 2020 hubo 52, en 2021 hubo 91 y en 2022 hubo 101 fatalidades. Gráfico titulado "Conducir después de usar cannabis". Muestra el porcentaje de consumidores de cannabis que reportaron conducir dentro de las 2–3 horas después de usarlo desde 2018 hasta 2022. Los porcentajes son: 2018: 15.0%, 2019: 18.6%, 2020: 17.5%, 2021: 17.5%, 2022: 22.3%

Links to state and federal impaired driving data resources

Links to Academic Research on Cannabis and Driving Impairment

There are many misconceptions about marijuana use, including rumors that it can’t impair your ability to drive or that it can actually make you a safer driver. Several scientific studies indicate that this is false. Research shows that marijuana impairs motor skills, reaction time, lane tracking and cognitive functions.