Cannabis Effects on Driving-related Skills of Young Drivers
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2016-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for young people. The investigators
have recently found that driving after using cannabis is more common among young Canadian
drivers than driving after drinking. While this observation raises concerns, the effects of
cannabis on driving-related skills in this age group are not well understood. As well,
evidence suggests that residual effects of cannabis on driving-related skills may be observed
up to 24 hours later. These residual effects may have important implications for the effects
of cannabis use on collision risk, but little evidence on them in available. This study will
examine the effects of a single dose of cannabis (marijuana) on driving-related skills
immediately following consumption, 24 hours later, and 48 hours later. To date, the residual
effect at 48 hours has not been examined. A total of 142 subjects aged 19 to 25 years old
will be randomly assigned to smoke either a placebo or active cannabis cigarette (12.5% THC
potency). Following an eligibility screening and practice session, participants will attend 3
testing days; drug-administration, 24-hour follow-up and 48-hour follow-up. The effects of
cannabis/placebo on performance of driving-related skills using a high-fidelity driving
simulator will be assessed on each testing day. The effects of cannabis on mood, cognition,
memory and complex reaction time will also be assessed. Identifying factors that affect the
collision risks experienced by young drivers is a public health priority. While many young
people believe that cannabis does not impair driving, some recent studies suggest that these
may be very dangerous beliefs. This study will provide important information on how cannabis
may affect the driving skills of young drivers, to inform efforts to understand and address
cannabis-related collision in this age group.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Collaborators:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Health Canada