Haven't I waited long enough? The role of wait times and subjective impairment in cannabis-related driving behavior

Driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) poses a significant public health threat. This study explores DUIC through a multifaceted lens, examining correlates of various wait times between cannabis use and driving, subjective perceptions of impairment, and differences between medical and non-medical cannabis users.

Cross-sectional data from 979 cannabis users in Israel were collected through an online survey. DUIC risk was measured using reported wait times (categorized as low, moderate, and high risk) and driving while feeling cannabis effects. Logistic and multinomial regression identified correlates of DUIC risk.

23 % of the respondents drove within two hours of use (high risk), 37 % waited 3 to 6 h (moderate risk), and 40 % waited over 7 h (low risk). Multinomial regression showed that being male (RRR = 2.11, p < 0.001), having a medical cannabis license (RRR = 4.14, p < 0.01), more frequent cannabis and alcohol co-use (RRR = 1.18, p < 0.05), and more frequent cannabis use (RRR = 1.21, p < 0.001) were associated with moderate risk compared to low risk. Being male (RRR = 1.89, p < 0.01) and reporting higher cannabis use frequency (RRR = 1.70, p < 0.001) was associated with high DUIC risk. Cannabis use frequency was a significant predictor of subjective DUIC (AOR = 1.26, p < 0.001).

Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts, particularly for male and frequent cannabis users. The complex relationship between medical cannabis use and DUIC risk warrants further investigation to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.