Does legalizing cannabis increase road accidents?

The question of road safety is one of the most important issues to be addressed in the event of cannabis law reform. Is there a risk that the legalization of cannabis will lead to a flood of motorists under the influence of cannabis? Now that many American states have legalized cannabis for recreational purposes, In a recent study, experts investigated whether a relaxation of cannabis laws would have an impact on road accidents. Visit Colorado and Washington State were among the first to legalize recreational cannabis in November 2012. Cannabis sales began in 2014. Oregon legalized in October 2014 and sales began a year later.

Institute for Road Safety Protection American has carried out analyses on car accident claims made between 2012 and 2016.

The researchers compared the sins in these 3 states with those in neighboring states where cannabis is not legal. The results conclude that complaints are 3% higher in legalized states than others. «Most drivers admit to using cannabis while on the road. This is seen more frequently among those involved in car accidents» reports the site.

No major difference in fatal road accidents

Another study published by American Journal of Public Health shows the death rate from road accidents in the states of Washington and Colorado. Using a fatal accident analysis reporting system, the scientists were able to determine the number of deaths per year in these states between 2009 and 2015. This study, unlike the first, compares the rates before and after cannabis legalization, with a difference based on specific criteria: traffic characteristics, population and road conditions. It reveals no specific increase in accidents before and after cannabis legalization.

The studies therefore contradict each other: the first analyzed claims, which are on the rise, while the second focused solely on fatal road accidents, with well-defined criteria, unchanged after legalization.

Mehdi Bautier