SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Some surprising new research came in from AAA about impaired driving, and just how many people drive while under the influence of cannabis. The bottom line: Cannabis and driving shouldn’t mix.

AAA surveyed cannabis consumers on their perceptions, behaviors, and reasons for driving under the influence as part of a traffic study.

They found most users don’t think it has much of an impact on their driving, or any at all.

The survey found that consuming before driving is common. 53% said they consumed an hour or less before driving. An additional 20% reported consuming 2 to 3 hours before driving, and most of those drivers believe they operate a vehicle the same or better after consuming cannabis.

Research, however, does show being under the influence impairs driving ability, which can vary from person to person.

“The research and the evidence clearly show that when you’re under the influence of cannabis your reaction time is affected and you could be in a state of brain fog and you may not necessarily be as alert and ability to switch your attention to different tasks than you would be if you were sober,” AAA spokesperson Mark Schieldrop explained.

As cannabis becomes more widely available, AAA says the right public health messaging is more important than ever.

“People don’t want to have fingers wagged at them, they don’t want to be talked down to, we want to appeal to them and say you know ‘there’s a personal responsibility there and the reality is that the science and the research indicates that cannabis use really affects your ability to drive,” Schieldrop emphasized.”

AAA also strongly encourages the cannabis industry and healthcare providers to talk to users, as their research found they consider them to be trusted resources.

Copyright 2025. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.