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 change the situation. Summary
The study: motivations and objectives
- The methodology used in the study
- The results of the study
- The possible implications of the study
- The study: motivations and objectives
Indeed, this study was conducted by the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney. Why, many wonder? 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. In this regard, we can cite a few examples:
Chronic pain; epilepsy; Cancer pain; inflammation. 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 body while driving. This is also why many doctors do not recommend that their patients take their
cannabis-based medications
when they are going to drive. For fear of being stopped. From this perspective, this study therefore aimed to provide scientific data showing the effect of CBD and THC on a subject while driving. So that the regulator can use it objectively, for the good of the city.
The Method Used in the StudyIndeed, to be reliable, a study needs to adopt a precise method. One that could be used by other researchers for the same purpose. That said, the method used was thecommon scientific metric called the standard deviation of vehicle position (SDLP).
What did it consist of? It allowed researchers to see how much the participants’ vehicles deviated on the road after they ingested CBD and/or THC. In this context, 26 people received cannabis to vaporize with varying ratios of THC and CBD. Then, they set off on a 100km drive for 40 minutes, all under the supervision and in the company of a driving instructor. It was following this that the researchers were able to draw the following conclusions.
The study results
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/effets-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 Furthermore, it 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/effets-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/effets-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 concludes:
“These results should allow for the implementation of evidence-based laws and regulations for people who receive cannabis for medical purposes.” Source 1: https://www.blog-cannabis.com/effets-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 Possible Implications of the Study In fact, this study could indeed be a game-changer regarding medical cannabis treatment. With this foundation, regulators can organize their oversight processes to improve the well-being of patients legally undergoing medical cannabis treatment. This could involve, for example, allowing these patients to drive. Or at least, pushing this research further to obtain even more evidence, which would enable the development of policies that protect patients and make the treatment period more comfortable.
