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Do your due diligence re: cannabis & driving

One quarter of younger Canadians (aged 18-34) say they have driven high or have travelled in a vehicle with a high driver, according to new research from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

As a cannabis sales associate or budtender, it is your duty to ensure that you do not sell cannabis to someone who is intoxicated. You can also help spread the word about the dangers of driving while under the influence of cannabis.

The same poll found that while many younger Canadians (86%) understand the importance of planning alternative travel arrangements after consuming alcohol, like a ride sharing service, taxi or designated driver, they view it as significantly less important to do so after consuming cannabis (70%).

“The study’s findings regarding attitudes and perceptions tells us there is a need for more education,” says Jeff Walker, CAA chief strategy officer. “If you plan to consume cannabis this holiday season, don’t drive. Make an alternate arrangement just like you would for drinking.”

While some young Canadians are more likely to think their driving is unaffected by cannabis, scientific studies show that’s not true.

“Cannabis may impair your driving differently than alcohol, but the effect is the same – decreased reaction times that can lead to collisions and even fatalities,” says Walker.

Tags: Canadian Automobile Association (1), cannabis and driving (1), driving high (1), Jeff Walker (1)