“Driving under the influence of cannabis among medical cannabis patients with chronic pain”

The title of this post is the title of this notable new study just published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Here is its abstract:

Background

Driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) is a public health concern among those using medical cannabis.  Understanding behaviors contributing to DUIC can inform prevention efforts. We evaluated three past 6-month DUIC behaviors among medical cannabis users with chronic pain.

Methods

Adults (N = 790) seeking medical cannabis certification or recertification for moderate/severe pain were recruited from February 2014 through June 2015 at Michigan medical cannabis clinics.  About half of participants were male (52%) and 81% were White; their Mean age was 45.8 years.  Participants completed survey measures of DUIC (driving within 2 h of use, driving while “a little high,” and driving while “very high”) and background factors (demographics, alcohol use, etc.). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions were used to examine correlates of DUIC.

Results

For the past 6 months, DUIC within 2 h of use was reported by 56.4% of the sample, DUIC while a “little high” was reported by 50.5%, and “very high” was reported by 21.1%. G reater cannabis quantity consumed and binge drinking were generally associated with DUIC behaviors.  Higher pain was associated with lower likelihood of DUIC.  Findings vary somewhat across DUIC measures.

Conclusions

The prevalence of DUIC is concerning, with more research needed on how to best measure DUIC. Prevention messaging for DUIC may be enhanced by addressing alcohol co-consumption.