Perceptions and Attitudes Related to Driving after Cannabis Use in Canadian and U.S. Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study examined risk perceptions related to driving after cannabis use (DACU) among Canadian and U.S. adults who used cannabis in the past six months. Method: 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 (SD = 10.61)] and U.S. participants [n = 678; 50.9% female, 73.6% White, mean age = 33.85 (SD = 10.12)]. 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 2 hours of cannabis use in the past 3 months (ps > .12). Compared to U.S. participants, Canadians perceived driving within 2 hours of cannabis use as more dangerous (p < .001, p2 = .013), and reported that more of their friends would disapprove of DACU (p = .03, p2 = .006). There were no differences in the number of friends who would refuse to ride with a driver who had used cannabis (p = .15) or the perceived likelihood of negative consequences (ps > .07). More favorable perceptions were significantly correlated with greater lifetime DACU and driving within 2 hours of use (rs = .14-.51, ps < .01). Conclusions: These findings reveal differences in distal risk factors for DACU between Canada and the U.S. and may inform prevention efforts focusing on perceptions of risk and social acceptance of DACU.