In the last three months, more than 150,000 people Ontario drive on high cannabis ediblesAccording to a new survey.
survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario indicated a 10 per cent increase in the number of cannabis-impaired drivers who admitted to consuming an edible before driving (from 16 per cent to 26 per cent in 2019).
A CAA news release said there are about 10 million drivers in the province, which equates to about 156,000 people.
School bus driver charged with impaired-related offense after morning ride investigation: York Police
read more
The survey also found that in the past three months, nearly 600,000 Ontario drivers admitted to driving after consuming any cannabis product – a figure that has remained consistent since the last survey was conducted in 2019. , the release said.
“It’s shocking that we’re seeing so many people who are driving,” said Michael Stewart, CAA’s community relations advisor.
“Our data show an alarming trend in the use of edibles and driving. With the growing popularity of cookies, gummies, and chocolate, since legalization, the use of edibles continues to increase, and so do those who eat more of the foods.”
Stewart said the use of edibles before getting behind the wheel is particularly concerning because it is hard to detect and can take up to two hours to kick in.
People can start out driving sober, “only to become high mid-journey,” the release said.
Most Ontario drivers – 89 per cent – said they believe cannabis-impaired driving is a safety risk, but only half know what the penalties are, the survey also found.
“Due to the novelty of edibles, there appears to be a knowledge gap regarding impaired driving laws related to substances other than alcohol,” Stewart said.
“However, studies show that the drug affects nearly every skill related to driving. It impairs a driver’s motor skills, makes it harder to judge distances, and can slow reaction times.
The CAA notes that those who fail a drug detection expert evaluation have their vehicle impounded for seven days, face a 90-day license suspension and a $550 fine. The CAA said that if found guilty, the license suspension would be extended to at least one year, the person would be required to use an ignition interlock device, as well as face other mandatory provisions such as education or treatment.
Additionally, the CAA’s survey found that nearly half of individuals who admitted to driving while consuming cannabis also indicated that they had consumed alcohol or other drugs.
The CAA said that more than half of those who consumed cannabis said they did so within three hours of consumption, while a third of those who drove the same day said they felt better.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.