Cannabis-Impaired Driving: Emerging Risks and Research Insights

Author bio: 

Kristine D’Arbelles has more than a decade of experience in public affairs and working to represent the interest of the travelling public. As the Managing Director of Public Affairs at the Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA’s) National Office, she leads strategic communications initiatives across CAA’s five key pillars: road safety, environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection.

As a lead spokesperson for CAA National, Kristine has conducted thousands of media interviews across Canada. She also plays an international role in road safety as Regional Coordinator for Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Region III, supporting road safety initiatives across North America and the Caribbean.

Kristine holds a Master’s in Communications Management from McMaster University, a Bachelors of Language and Linguistics from Queen’s University and a diploma in Public Relations from Algonquin College. Based in Ottawa, she lives with her husband and son.

Abstract: 

Cannabis-impaired driving remains a critical road safety issue in Canada. Recent trends show a significant increase in cannabis edible consumption, particularly among youth, raising new challenges due to the delayed onset and prolonged effects of edibles. A University of Saskatchewan study, funded by CAA, found that driving performance was significantly impaired after consuming cannabis edibles, with collision risk peaking at 58% four hours post-consumption. In response, CAA launched a national campaign targeting young Canadians, emphasizing the importance of planning a safe ride home. 

________________________________ 

Cannabis-impaired driving remains a significant road safety concern. According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), 90% of Canadians believe it poses a threat to their personal safety. Canadians rank it among the top five road safety issues nationwide, following drunk driving, red-light running, distracted driving, and aggressive driving.

While Canadians see it as a concern, many still admit to driving under the influence of cannabis. One in five drivers (20%) report having either driven while under the influence of cannabis or ridden as a passenger with someone who was impaired (CAA polling).

Since legalization, studies have shown a notable shift toward cannabis edibles over smoking, a trend particularly evident among youth. A recent study published in 2025 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a 43% increase in cannabis edible use among Canadian youth, compared to a 34% rise in smoking or vaping. The findings highlight a growing preference for edibles among young Canadians. This growing preference for edibles is concerning due to the delayed onset of effects, which can make it difficult for users to recognize their own impairment, increasing the risk of impaired driving.

Recent research published in November of 2025 from the University of Saskatchewan, funded by CAA, examined how edibles affect driving ability. Using a high-fidelity simulator, the study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios after consuming a 10mg THC edible. The study measured reaction time, speed regulation, lane maintenance, and collision rates at various intervals during a single 8-hour lab session.

The study found that critical driving skills, such as reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired. Notably, the risk of collisions increased after consuming cannabis edibles. At just 1.5 hours post-consumption, nearly one-third (30%) of participants were involved in a collision. That number rose to 44% at 2.5 hours and peaked at 58% at the 4-hour mark – highlighting the prolonged impact of THC on driving performance.

This study provides early insights into the risks associated with edibles, but further research is needed to explore different age groups and usage patterns. The study has been submitted for peer review and an executive summary is available here.

To address this growing issue, CAA launched a national advertising campaign urging Canadians to plan a safe ride home if they are going to consume cannabis edibles.

CAA’s new national campaign focuses on young Canadians, the highest risk group for cannabis-impaired driving. As the demographic with the longest driving lives ahead of them, instilling safe driving habits early has a lasting impact on road safety. Young Canadians are also less likely than the general population to plan a safe ride home after consuming cannabis. According to CAA polling, just 69% of those aged 18 to 24 report having a plan in place, which is lower than the general population at 76%. While a large number of young Canadians claim to be making responsible choices, the gap highlights a need for continued education and outreach to ensure all age groups understand the risks and plan ahead.  

The campaign highlights how everyday tasks, like tying your shoes, grabbing a snack, or answering the door, can feel unexpectedly difficult after consuming an edible. These scenarios are used to reinforce a clear message: If You Can’t Drive Your Body, You Can’t Drive Your Car. 

Cannabis edibles pose a unique and prolonged impairment risk, particularly among young drivers. Continued research, education, and targeted outreach are essential to mitigate this emerging challenge and keep Canadian roads safe.