VIRGINIA, USA — With 4/20 — an unofficial holiday in the cannabis community — approaching, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is warning residents not to drive under the influence of marijuana, citing safety risks and legal consequences.

Officials say a growing misconception is putting drivers in danger. The CCA reports About 30% of drivers believe they are safer behind the wheel after using cannabis, a statistic the agency calls alarming and a key reason for increased public education efforts.

Jamie Patten, chief administrative officer and acting head of the authority, said cannabis can impair essential driving skills, including judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

“In fact, your judgment could be impaired, your coordination could be impaired, your response time could be delayed,” Patten said.

Under Virginia law, driving under the influence of cannabis carries the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. Those penalties can include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

Patten said determining when it is safe to drive after using cannabis is not always straightforward. The effects can vary depending on the individual, the amount consumed, and the method of consumption. Even products with lower THC levels can still impair a driver.

“That [THC levels] should never be a determining factor. In general, people should understand that they can’t really predict what the impact will be on them when they use cannabis,” said Patten. 

Because of that uncertainty, officials urge people to plan ahead if they intend to use cannabis. Options include using a rideshare service, relying on a sober driver, or staying home.

“If you feel different, you drive different,” Patten said. “Do not get behind the wheel while under the influence of marijuana. You could arrange for a ride share, or have a sober, a friend that’s a sober driver take you home. Or, in general, you could just make plans that don’t involve having to leave the house.”