South Dakotans have voted on recreational marijuana use the last three consecutive election cycles. As a result, many in the state keep a close eye on the issue.
A new AAA study said a majority of users say they’ve consumed cannabis shortly before driving.
Thirty-eight states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use in the country. South Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in 2020.
Since use has become more popular, AAA says it has become the third most commonly used substance in the US next to nicotine and alcohol.
Shawn Steward is the Public Affairs Manager for AAA South Dakota. He said as use becomes more popular, so does driving under the drug’s influence.
“Fifty-three percent said they consumed cannabis an hour or less before driving. And then the perceptions of that impact of that usage was interesting as well,” Steward said. “46.9% of people said they believe they either drive the same or about 34% of people think that cannabis actually improves their driving. So, that was some pretty eye-opening research that we found from consumers of cannabis themselves.”
He said common misconceptions can lead to roads that aren’t safe. The study shows that drivers using cannabis can experience sleepiness, brain fog, changes in visual perception and impaired body movements.
Steward said he and AAA hope the study can help impact how states who have legal cannabis status tackle the issue in an appropriate manner.
“Understanding what motivates cannabis consumers to drive under the influence can be helpful in developing effective safety strategies,” Steward said. “With insights and perceptions that we gained from this research, decision making and behavior, we aim to inform policy and interventions that ideally will make our roads safer for everyone.”
The study also found that messages worked more effectively when they targeted a user’s personal responsibility and safety concerns as opposed to the legal ramifications. But Steward said there isn’t a “one size fits all” for safety messaging.
South Dakotans have voted on recreational marijuana use the last three consecutive election cycles. As a result, many in the state keep a close eye on the issue. Read More
