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Drug Impaired Driving

Cannabis, like alcohol, causes impairment. Using cannabis can affect your coordination, reaction time, attentiveness, decision-making, and ability to judge distances. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has compiled a summary of evidence about Cannabis Use and Driving, some highlights include:

  • After alcohol, cannabis is the most commonly detected substance among drivers who die in traffic crashes.
  • Driving under the influence of cannabis may double the risk of being involved in a crash.
  • This risk increases even more when cannabis is used with alcohol. When used together, the effects of either drug may be more powerful, resulting in greater impairment than had either of the drugs been used alone.

It is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Police now have access to new tools and training to better detect drivers who have drugs in their body. Conviction of driving while impaired by cannabis carries the same criminal offence and charges as alcohol-impaired driving.

The following resources provide additional information about impaired driving restrictions: