The emergence of medical cannabis opens the door to other issues that, until now, have been divisive. In this context, many have always wondered whether it is advisable to drive while undergoing medical cannabis treatment. For some, no. For others, yes. Lacking in-depth research on the subject, regulators are playing it safe. Nevertheless, a study addressing this issue could perhaps shift the landscape.
The summary
- The aforementioned study: motivations and objectives
- The method used in the study
- The results of the study
- The possible implications of the study
The aforementioned study: motivations and objectives
Indeed, this study was conducted by the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney. Why, many are wondering? In fact, it has already been demonstrated that CBD (derived from cannabis) has therapeutic properties. Therefore, it can be used to relieve the symptoms of certain illnesses or conditions. Here are a few examples:
- Chronic pain;
- epilepsy;
- Cancer pain;
- inflammations.
Naturally, this list is not exhaustive.
The problem with these cannabis-based treatments is that patients cannot legally drive after taking their medication. Why? For fear of being stopped during a traffic stop. This is especially true since there are still no reliable screening devices that can indicate the exact amount of CBD and/or THC in a patient's system while driving. This is also why many doctors advise their patients against taking their cannabis-based medicationsbefore driving, for fear of being stopped.
From this perspective, the aim of this study was to provide scientific data demonstrating theeffects of CBD and THC on a subject while driving, so that regulators could use it objectively, for the good of the community.
The method used in the study
Indeed, for a study to be reliable, it needs to adopt a precise method. This method could then be used by other researchers for the same purpose. That being said, the method used was that of the common scientific metric called the standard deviation of vehicle position (SDLP).
What did it involve? It allowed researchers to observe how much the participants' vehicles deviated from the road after they consumed CBD and/or THC. In this experiment, 26 people received cannabis to vaporize with varying ratios of THC and CBD. They then set off on a 100km drive, which lasted 40 minutes. The entire process was supervised and accompanied by a driving instructor.
It was following this that the researchers were able to draw the following conclusions.
The results of the study
In fact, Dr. Thomas Arkell, the study's lead author, states that the results obtained:
“indicate for the first time that CBD, when administered without THC, does not affect a subject's ability to drive. This is excellent news for those who use or are considering treatment with CBD products.”.
Source 1 : https://www.blog-cannabis.com/effects-du-cannabis-sur-les-conducteurs/ | Source 2 : https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-cannabidiol-cbd-cannabis-impair-landmark.html?mc_cid=7d276fc9c2&mc_eid=35711c3bd8
In the same vein, he adds that:
“Cannabis containing primarily CBD did not impair driving, whereas cannabis containing THC, or a THC/CBD mixture, caused a slight impairment of driving measured 40 minutes later but not after four hours.”
Source 1 : https://www.blog-cannabis.com/effects-du-cannabis-sur-les-conducteurs/ | Source 2 : https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-cannabidiol-cbd-cannabis-impair-landmark.html?mc_cid=7d276fc9c2&mc_eid=35711c3bd8
Then he added:
“With evolving cannabis laws worldwide, jurisdictions are grappling with the issue of cannabis-impaired driving. These findings provide valuable insights into the extent and duration of impairment caused by different types of cannabis and can help inform road safety policy, not only in Australia but globally.”
Source 1 : https://www.blog-cannabis.com/effects-du-cannabis-sur-les-conducteurs/ | Source 2 : https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-cannabidiol-cbd-cannabis-impair-landmark.html?mc_cid=7d276fc9c2&mc_eid=35711c3bd8
Arkell concluded:
“These results should lead to the development of evidence-based laws and regulations for people who receive cannabis for medical purposes.”
Source 1 : https://www.blog-cannabis.com/effects-du-cannabis-sur-les-conducteurs/ | Source 2 : https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-cannabidiol-cbd-cannabis-impair-landmark.html?mc_cid=7d276fc9c2&mc_eid=35711c3bd8
The possible implications of the study
Indeed, this study could significantly shift the landscape regarding medical cannabis treatment. With this foundation, regulators can now organize their oversight processes, aiming to improve the well-being of patients legally receiving medical cannabis treatment.
For example, by allowing these patients to drive. Or at least, by pushing this research even further, in order to obtain even more evidence. This evidence will then allow for the development of policies that protect patients and make the treatment follow-up period more pleasant.
Editor-in-Chief specializing in CBD
Julien, born on July 17, 1978, in the Paris region, is a prominent writer and expert in the field of CBD products. Following his studies, Julien developed a passion for natural remedies, including CBD. In 2022, he joined the CBD.fr team as an expert and regular contributor. Thanks to his scientific expertise and clear writing style, Julien helps demystify the complexities of CBD, while highlighting its benefits and potential applications through his articles and conference presentations.
