Smoking & Driving

When an illicit substance is being considered for legalization it is important to consider the daily activities we participate in and our designated roles in society. Not only should we consider these factors but it is also imperative to evaluate the effect the drug has on an individual’s functionality. When contemplating the legalization of marijuana it should be assumed that individuals will be consuming this substance at any given time, whether they are attending school, work, driving, or taking care of their children.

The article, "Say 'no' to legalization of marijuana" by Donna Shalala states that over the years researchers have come to the conclusion that marijuana damages 'short-term memory, perception, judgment, and motor skills' and continues to point out that the use of this drugs effects 'heart rate, can lead to severe anxiety, and cause paranoia and lethargy.' It is clear, given the effects of this drug, that when considering legalization of a substance like this the government should also implement rules that will protect it’s citizens.

In Canada, over 15.4 million people commute to work everyday, with four out of five Canadians using private vehicles. The Criminal Code aims to protect society against impaired drivers by placing laws that set restrictions on the amount of alcohol an individual can consume while under the care of a motor vehicle. It is enviable that similar laws will be placed if marijuana is legalized, with the same goal of reducing the occurrence of impaired driving. How will the government come up with a reasonable limit that will apply to the general public? How will they enforce the restriction? These are all important questions our government should consider to ensure that our roads are safe.

In Ontario, having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or more will result in immediate roadside license suspension. With that being said, the government still allows individuals to consume alcohol prior to operating a motor vehicle, so long as they do not exceed the legal blood alcohol concentration limit. If marijuana is legalized, it is safe to presume that there would be a similar legal limit in place to try to restrict consumption for those operating a motor vehicle. This is very alarming considering that first time users may experience more intensified effects which could possibly make them a greater threat on the roads.  With all these facts in mind, it should be apparent why the topic of legalizing marijuana should also start discussions concerning the overall safety of our motorists.

In the video below, medical marijuana patients have their driving abilities put to the test to document the effects of driving under the influence of the substance. 

Citations:

Shalala, D. E. (1995, August 18). Say 'no' to legalization of marijuana. Wall Street Journal , p. A10.

Turcotte, M. (2011). Commuting to work. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/as-sa/99-012-x/99-012-x2011003_1-eng.cfm

Impaired Driving. (2014).  Retrieved from http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/impaired/