Cannabis is becoming more mainstream every year. With legalization spreading across Canada, the U.S., and beyond, people are enjoying cannabis for relaxation, wellness, and recreation more openly than ever before. But as cannabis becomes part of everyday life, so do questions about responsible use—and one of the most important is:
👉 Should you drive while high?
The short answer is no. Driving under the influence of cannabis is unsafe, illegal, and risky. But understanding why can help you make better, more informed decisions.
In this guide, we’ll explore how cannabis affects driving, the laws around it, the science of impairment, and safer alternatives.
Cannabis and Driving: Why It’s a Serious Issue
Driving requires quick reflexes, sharp focus, and split-second decision-making. Cannabis—especially products containing THC—directly affects those abilities.
How Cannabis Affects Driving
THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the brain, influencing areas responsible for coordination, memory, attention, and judgment. When you’re high, you may experience:
- Slower reaction times
- Impaired coordination and motor skills
- Difficulty judging distance and speed
- Short-term memory lapses
- Altered perception of time
Even if you “feel fine,” your ability to drive safely can be compromised.
The Science: Cannabis and Impairment
Research consistently shows that cannabis use increases the risk of accidents on the road.
- A study published in the British Medical Journal found that drivers who consumed cannabis were twice as likely to cause a car accident compared to sober drivers.
- According to the CDC, cannabis can impair critical driving functions for up to several hours after use, depending on the dose, method, and individual tolerance.
- Unlike alcohol, which has standardized tests (like blood alcohol concentration), cannabis impairment is more complex—making it harder to know exactly how “high” is too high to drive.
The Law: Driving High Is Illegal
Cannabis may be legal in Canada and parts of the U.S., but driving while high is not.
In Canada
- The legal limit for THC in your blood while driving is 2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
- Penalties for driving high include:
- Fines starting at $1,000
- License suspension
- Jail time for repeat offenses or accidents caused while impaired
- Police use tools like oral fluid screening devices to test drivers for THC.
In the U.S.
- Laws vary by state, but all states consider driving under the influence of cannabis illegal.
- Penalties may include fines, license suspension, or even jail time.
No matter where you are, the law is clear: you cannot legally drive while impaired by cannabis.
How Long Should You Wait to Drive After Cannabis?
The effects of cannabis vary depending on the method of consumption:
- Smoking or Vaping – Effects can last 2–4 hours, with peak impairment in the first 1–2 hours.
- Edibles – Effects can last 6–8 hours or longer, with delayed onset making them especially tricky.
- Concentrates – Very potent, potentially impairing for several hours.
A safe rule of thumb is to wait at least 6 hours after smoking and 8–12 hours after edibles before driving. But because tolerance, body weight, and metabolism differ, there’s no universal safe timeline.
Myths About Driving While High
There are plenty of misconceptions about cannabis and driving. Let’s debunk a few:
Myth 1: “I drive better when I’m high.”
Some users claim cannabis makes them more focused. But studies show impairment in reaction time, decision-making, and coordination—all critical for safe driving.
Myth 2: “I only had a little, so I’m fine.”
Even small amounts of THC can affect your driving skills. Impairment doesn’t always feel obvious.
Myth 3: “Cannabis isn’t as bad as alcohol for driving.”
While alcohol may cause more severe impairment, cannabis still significantly increases accident risk. Combining the two makes it even more dangerous.
Safer Alternatives to Driving High
Being responsible doesn’t mean giving up cannabis. It just means planning ahead.
🚕 Use Ride-Sharing or Taxis
Apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get home safely.
🚌 Take Public Transit
A safe, affordable option in many cities.
🚶 Walk It Off
If you’re close to home, walking can be a great option (just watch for traffic!).
🛋️ Stay Put
Plan your session at home or a friend’s place where you don’t need to drive afterward.
🚲 Use a Designated Driver
Just like with alcohol, having a sober driver is the safest option.
Cannabis and Wellness: Driving Responsibly Is Self-Care
Responsible cannabis use is about more than just enjoying the high—it’s about keeping yourself and others safe. Choosing not to drive while high is a form of self-care and community care.
- You protect your own health and safety.
- You protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
- You avoid legal trouble that could affect your future.
Being mindful about when and how you consume cannabis ensures you can enjoy its benefits without unnecessary risks.
Tips for a Safe Cannabis Lifestyle
- Plan Your Session – Know where you’ll be, how you’ll get home, and who you’ll be with.
- Choose the Right Time – Use cannabis when you don’t need to drive for several hours.
- Communicate – Let friends know you won’t drive if you’re high.
- Use CBD – CBD products don’t impair driving and can be used as part of wellness routines.
- Educate Others – Encourage safe practices within your community.
The Future: Cannabis and Driving Technology
As cannabis legalization expands, so does research into impairment and safety. New technologies are being developed, such as:
- More accurate roadside THC detection tools.
- Cannabis education programs similar to alcohol awareness campaigns.
- Research into individual tolerance and safe consumption guidelines.
But until we fully understand the science, the safest choice is clear: don’t drive while high.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis is a powerful plant with many benefits—from stress relief and creativity to pain management and wellness. But with those benefits comes responsibility.
Driving while high is:
- Unsafe – It impairs reaction time, focus, and judgment.
- Illegal – It can lead to fines, license suspension, or worse.
- Avoidable – With planning, you can enjoy cannabis without putting yourself or others at risk.
The modern cannabis lifestyle is about mindful, responsible use. That means knowing your limits, respecting the law, and prioritizing safety.
👉 The next time you light up, take an edible, or dab a concentrate, remember: enjoy the ride—but don’t drive.
