A new study funded by CAA and conducted by the University of Saskatchewan highlights how consuming edible cannabis can affect young drivers’ abilities and increase the risk of collisions. The research examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30, a demographic known for higher crash rates nationwide.
“This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” said Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.”
The study found that critical driving skills — including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control — were impaired, with the effects most evident about 90 minutes after consuming edibles. Only four per cent of participants reported feeling safe to drive 90 minutes after taking an edible.
Despite this, a separate CAA survey of 1,510 Ontario drivers found nearly 20 per cent admit to driving under the influence of cannabis, with 78 per cent of those drivers expressing confidence in their abilities — a 13 per cent increase from 2021. Stewart said this gap between perceived and actual safety is concerning.
“This misplaced confidence can lead to dangerous decisions, increasing the risk of collisions and endangering road users,” Stewart said. “We must recognize that getting behind the wheel is not just a personal choice it’s a responsibility that affects the safety of everyone on our roads.”
The study also highlighted a growing trend of poly-use, with 57 per cent of respondents reporting consuming cannabis alongside other substances, most commonly alcohol, though some reported using painkillers, psilocybin, ecstasy, or MDMA.
“While we’re all aware that alcohol-impaired driving can be dangerous, we should also take the same attitude towards cannabis-impaired driving,” Stewart added. “With the holiday season coming up, cannabis can be consumed legally and responsibly but should never be used when driving.”
CAA advises drivers who use cannabis, alcohol, or other substances to plan ahead with a designated driver or rideshare to ensure safety on the roads this holiday season.
