Columbus, OH – Adults exhibit similar levels of intolerance toward driving under the influence of cannabis, regardless of whether they live in states where cannabis is legal or prohibited, according to research published in the Biometrical Journal.
Researchers from Ohio State University analyzed survey data to examine public attitudes toward driving after cannabis use (DAMU) in states with and without legalized medical marijuana programs. Their findings challenge the notion that more permissive cannabis policies lead to increased public acceptance of impaired driving.
The study stated: “The hypothesis that more liberal cannabis policies will lead to dangerous driving conditions was not corroborated by our analysis. … We found practically no evidence to conclude that medical marijuana legalization leads to more tolerant behaviors and attitudes toward DAMU.”
In other words, societal attitudes about the risks of cannabis-impaired driving appear to remain steadfast, regardless of a state’s legal framework for cannabis.
For further details, the full study can be accessed here.