Marijuana and Driving (From Problems of Drug Dependence, 1980 NIDA Research Monograph 34, 1981, P 257-263, Louis S Harris, ed.)

• NCJ Number: 100762
• Author(s): A J McBay; S M Owens
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Blood specimens of 100 drivers killed in single vehicle automobile accidents were analyzed for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to examine the possible contribution of marijuana use to traffic fatalities.

Abstract

Radioimmunoassay revealed the presence of THC in the blood of 9 of the 100 dead operators. Concentrations of THC ranged from 3 to 18 micrograms. In six of the nine, alcohol was also found in quantities sufficient to influence the operation of a motor vehicle. For the entire sample, alcohol in concentrations over .09 percent was found in 62 samples. Thus, the number of drivers who had marijuana in their blood was very small relative to those who had alcohol in their blood. While it is difficult to determine the exact contribution of marijuana to motor vehicle accidents, marijuana alone may have been a factor in 3 of the 100 fatalities. More research will be needed to establish the effect of marijuana, if any, on driving and traffic safety. 1 figure, 1 table, and 9 references.