NCJ Number
193629
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 307-313
Date Published
November 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Research conducted in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia examined marijuana users’ attitudes to proposed changes in legislation regarding drug abuse and driving in Victoria.
Abstract
The study also examined the frequency with which young marijuana users drove while under the influence of marijuana. The survey collected information through personal interviews of 67 young marijuana users between ages 18 and 25 and selected as a convenience sample through radio and press announcements. The survey asked about their patterns of marijuana and alcohol use and driving and their attitudes toward driving while intoxicated. Results revealed that 88 percent reported using marijuana at least once a week in the previous month and that 31 percent reported using marijuana daily. Fifty-seven of the participants perceived marijuana as a safe drug for driving. These marijuana users regularly drove while under the influence of marijuana. About half of the participants said that they would not change their driving and marijuana use following the proposed law reforms. Findings indicated that driving after marijuana use was relatively common among these regular marijuana users. Findings also indicated that Victoria needs further highway safety education on the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana. Tables and 24 references