Study of How Age and Cannabis Use Frequency Affect Driving Skills in Simulated Tests for Young and Middle-Aged Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how cannabis affects driving skills differently in young adults compared to middle-aged drivers. The study focuses on how age and frequency of cannabis use may change driving performance, since cannabis use has been linked to higher risks of motor vehicle collisions. Half of the participants will be occasional cannabis users, and the other half will be frequent users. Participants will attend two sessions in the laboratory. In one session, they will drive a simulator before and after smoking a placebo cannabis cigarette with less than 1% THC. In the other session, they will smoke an active cannabis cigarette containing about 15% THC and then drive the simulator again. Blood samples will be taken before and at multiple times after smoking to measure THC and its metabolites. Participants will also complete subjective and cognitive tests before and after smoking. During the study, researchers will assess various driving measures such as the standard deviation of lateral position, speed, following distance, braking response, and number of collisions. They will also monitor blood THC levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and perform cognitive tasks like reaction time and memory tests. The study aims to provide information that could help shape public understanding and policies regarding cannabis use and driving safety. The total participation will include two test sessions per participant.

Age Differences in the Effects of Cannabis on Simulated Driving