KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A rise in recreational cannabis use has resulted in a heightened risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities related to drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of the drug.

According to AAA, 47% of users believe that cannabis use has little effect on their driving ability. Cannabis is the third most used substance in the United States, following nicotine and alcohol.

Cannabis consumption is legal in 38 states, with 24 of those states, including Michigan, allowing recreational use.

“Marijuana causes impairing effects that make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle,” Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA said.

Unlike alcohol, cannabis affects drivers in complex ways that are not as easily quantified. Effects can vary from person to person, but may include:

• Fatigue/sleepiness
• Brain fog
• Changes in auditory or visual perception
• Hallucinations/delusions
• Impaired body movements

Although it is not as straightforward as with alcohol, police can still identify cannabis impairment through field sobriety tests and blood draws, although the latter may take weeks for results.