Actively Recruiting
The Influence of Age on Driving-related Cannabis Effects: Exploring Cannabis Use Frequency and Related Factors
Led by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · Updated on 2026-03-23
128
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Age Differences in the Effects of Cannabis on Simulated Driving
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 19 and 25 or between 35 and 45 years
- Smoked cannabis use at least once in the past 6 months
- Recreational cannabis use either up to 1 day per week or at least 6 days per week in the past 3 months
- Holds a valid class G or G2 driver's licence (or equivalent) for at least 12 months
- Willing to abstain from alcohol for 24 hours and cannabis for 72 hours before study sessions
- Willing to abstain from non-prescribed drugs for 48 hours prior to study sessions
- Resides in or near Toronto or can stay with friends/family in the area after sessions
- Willing to use contraception until study participation is complete
- Provides written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Primarily uses cannabis for therapeutic purposes or equally for therapeutic and recreational use
- Has medical conditions contraindicating cannabis use, including respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal or liver disease, bleeding disorders, or hypersensitivity to cannabinoids
- Has psychiatric conditions contraindicating cannabis use
- Is pregnant or breastfeeding
- Has current or lifetime alcohol or substance use disorder except tobacco and caffeine
- Regularly uses medications affecting brain function, including sedatives or psychoactive drugs
- Uses anti-hypertensive medications
- Has a first-degree relative diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder
- Previously participated in a driving study at CAMH
- Currently participating in another clinical study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 sessions over approximately 2 weeks
Participants attend two test sessions where they smoke a cannabis cigarette in one session and a placebo cigarette in the other. They drive a simulator before and after smoking and complete blood tests, subjective assessments, and cognitive tasks.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2S1
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Christine Wickens, PhD
G
Gina Stoduto
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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