Perceptions and Attitudes Related to Driving after Cannabis Use in Canadian and US Adults

Abstract

Background: This study examined the risk perceptions related to driving after cannabis use (DACU) among Canadian and US adults who used cannabis in the past six months. Methods: Perceptions of danger, normative beliefs, perceived likelihood of negative consequences, and other driving-related variables were collected via online surveys in Canadian (n = 158; 50.0% female, 84.8% White, mean age = 32.73 years [SD  = 10.61]) and US participants (n = 678; 50.9% female, 73.6% White, mean age = 33.85 years [SD  = 10.12]). Driving cognitions and DACU quantity/frequency were compared between samples using univariate analyses of variance, and Spearman’s (ρ) correlations were performed to examine associations between driving cognitions and DACU quantity/frequency. Results: The two samples did not significantly differ in self-reported level of cannabis use, lifetime quantity of DACU, or the number of times they drove within two hours of cannabis use in the past three months ( Ps  > .12). Compared to US participants, Canadians perceived driving within two hours of cannabis use as more dangerous ( P  < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.013) and reported more of their friends would disapprove of DACU ( P  = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.006). There were no differences in the number of friends who would refuse to ride with a driver who had used cannabis ( P = 0.15) or the perceived likelihood of negative consequences ( Ps > 0.07). More favorable perceptions were significantly correlated with greater lifetime DACU and driving within two hours of use (ρ  = 0.25-0.53, Ps < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings reveal differences in distal risk factors for DACU between Canada and the US and may inform prevention efforts focusing on perceptions of risk and social acceptance of DACU.