A new study finds that marijuana impairs drivers more and longer than alcohol, a fact that runs contrary to what pot users believe.
The study published Wednesday by JAMA Psychiatry found that adults driving under the influence of marijuana performed “significantly” less well on tests measuring reaction times 30 minutes and 90 minutes after smoking the drug, according to the UPI.
UPI added:
They also had “borderline” declines in driving performance 3 1/2 hours after using the drug. By 4 1/2 hours after use, driving performance returned to normal levels, the researchers said.
However, nearly 70% of marijuana smokers expressed willingness to drive within 90 minutes of smoking marijuana, and had confidence in their ability to do so safely, according to the study.
“It is important that [marijuana] users be aware that they are not always accurate regarding their self-perception of impairment,” study co-author Thomas D. Marcotte told UPI in an email.
“In addition, experienced users should not assume they’re less impaired simply because they have more familiarity with the product — [they may] still be a risk on the road,” said Marcotte, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California-San Diego.
This latest study comes on the heels of a growing number of studies that have found the marijuana is far more dangerous than had been assumed.
This all goes against what pot supporters claim. They are all so sure that pot is entirely benign. But it is becoming more clear all the time that pot is actually worse than alcohol.
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Tags: Alcohol DUI Marijuana Pot
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