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5 Negative Effects of Marijuana Use and Driving

a person looks inebriated in a car to display marijuana use and driving

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, and with more states legalizing its recreational use, it has become increasingly accessible to people of all ages. While marijuana can be enjoyed responsibly by adults, driving while under the influence of marijuana is a hazardous activity that can have devastating consequences.

Northpoint Omaha provides comprehensive addiction recovery services, including rehab programs on marijuana abuse. Northpoint Omaha’s marijuana rehab program is designed to help individuals break the cycle of substance dependency and understand the long-term effects of marijuana use on their lives. The program emphasizes evidence-based treatments, such as behavioral therapies and medications, to address underlying issues that may contribute to an individual’s substance use. For more information, reach out to our team at 888.687.8014.

Marijuana Use and Driving

Driving while high on marijuana impairs reaction time and judgment significantly enough to increase the risk of car accidents. Marijuana is typically not considered dangerous, but driving while intoxicated from marijuana can increase the risk of an accident.

While marijuana is now considered a legal substance in some states, it is still a dangerous drug to consume while driving. Driving under the influence of marijuana can severely impair your ability to drive safely, leading to harmful consequences like accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

Studies have shown that driving after consuming marijuana can significantly affect your ability to concentrate, process information quickly, and react appropriately. Marijuana impairs one’s cognitive functions, including memory, perception of time, and coordination, contributing to their overall judgment when behind the wheel. As such, those who are driving while high on marijuana are more likely to experience decreased reaction times when presented with inevitable hazards on the road.

Effects of THC on Driving

Drivers high on marijuana may be more likely to get into an accident since they may not be able to react quickly enough or make the right decisions in certain situations.

The following is a list of some of the most common adverse effects that can arise from marijuana use and driving:

  1. Impaired judgment — When under the influence of marijuana, drivers may have difficulty making good decisions behind the wheel as their thought processes can become foggy and confused.
  2. Slower reaction times — Due to the physical and mental sluggishness that comes with being high on marijuana, it takes longer for drivers to respond to changes in traffic patterns or apply brakes when necessary.
  3. Cognitive impairment — Studies have shown that smoking marijuana significantly impairs one’s ability to think clearly and remember things accurately, affecting their overall performance on the road.
  4. Increased risk of DUI or DWI charges — Police officers look for signs such as erratic behavior or smelling like smoke to indicate potential drug use while behind the wheel.
  5. Inability to focus — Marijuana can make it challenging to make driving decisions, drastically increasing the likelihood of an accident.

These are just some of the dangerous risks of driving while under the influence of marijuana.

Preventing DUI from Marijuana at Northpoint Omaha’s Marijuana Rehab

Northpoint Omaha strives to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving due to marijuana use. To do so, they provide rehab treatment services that help promote safe driving and discourage the use of marijuana while behind the wheel.
Northpoint Omaha also offers educational programs that train drivers on the dangers of impaired driving on marijuana use and provide them with information about how to spot signs of intoxication.

Northpoint Omaha is helping keep Nebraska roads safe from individuals who choose to drive while under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. Through increased education and additional resources for individuals seeking help for substance abuse issues, Northpoint Omaha is helping reduce road accidents caused by impaired driving. To learn more, reach out to our team of experts today at 888.687.8014.