The results of a recent study published in JAMA Network Open claim to have found a link between the legalization of cannabis and an increase in road accidents.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Ottawa and examined emergency room visits in Ontario, Canada, over a 12-year period (January 2010 to December 2021), at the end of which they noted a 475.3% increase in traffic accidents that resulted in an emergency room visit in which the driver had cannabis in their body at the time of the accident.
“This cross-sectional study found a sharp increase in cannabis involvement in emergency department visits for traffic accidents over time, which may have accelerated following the commercialization of cannabis for non-medical purposes », We can read in the conclusion of the study. “While the frequency of visits is rare, they may reflect broader changes in cannabis-impaired driving. Greater prevention efforts, including targeted education and policy measures, in regions where cannabis is legal are indicated. »
At first glance, 475.3% is a big number. However, the study was only conducted in Ontario, Canada. The total number of road accidents with injuries due to cannabis during this 12-year period was 426 out of 947,604, or 0.04%.
“Another study also found no increase in the total number of motor vehicle accident hospitalizations in Canada in the 2.5 years following legalization. It is essential to note that the slow deployment of the cannabis retail market in Canada and the overlap of the legalization period with the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduce the ability of these studies to assess the impacts of legalization,” indicates the study.
However, the study highlighted the fact that men seem more exposed than women to the risk of being involved in such accidents when cannabis intoxication is considered as a factor.
“Of the 418 people with documented involvement in cannabis, 330 (78.9%) were male, 109 (25.6%) were aged 16 to 21 (mean age [ET] at the time of the visit, 30.6 [12,0] years), and 113 (27.0%) had had an emergency room visit or hospitalization for substance use in the two years before their emergency room visit for a motor vehicle accident,” the study said.
“The results of this repeated cross-sectional study suggest that serious cannabis-related traffic crashes have increased over time. The legalization of non-medical cannabis, widespread retail access, and increased variety of cannabis products may have increased these visits despite laws specifically aimed at deterring driving under the influence of cannabis. », Indicates the study.
“Young adults and men appear to be at particularly high risk of cannabis-related traffic accidents. It may be necessary to intensify interventions, including education on driving under the influence of cannabis, enforcement activities and policies to regulate access to commercial retail markets. »
