The driving‐related attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of cannabis users in the Australian Capital Territory following decriminalisation

• DOI: 10.1111/dar.13983
• Publication Date: 2025-01-07T17:01:18Z
• Authors: Danielle McCartney; Cilla Zhou; Isobel Lavender; Rebecca Gordon; Richard C. Kevin; Miguel Bedoya‐Pérez; Iain S. McGregor
• Keywords: Effects of cannabis; Cannabis Dependence; Possession (linguistics); Tetrahydrocannabinol

Abstract Introduction In January 2020, the government of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) decriminalised possession and cultivation cannabis for personal use. This study explored driving‐related attitudes, beliefs behaviours ACT residents who are legally cultivating consuming cannabis. Methods A two‐part cross‐sectional was conducted. Part‐1: Cannabis users residing in were invited to complete an online survey. Part‐2: Survey respondents reported ‘currently growing’ submit a sample their home‐grown phytocannabinoid analysis. Data from Parts 1 2 used estimate participants' usual Δ 9 ‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intakes. Results N = 385 completed all or part survey 52 submitted samples Most participants ( 224/330; 67.9%) waiting ≥7 h following use before driving. However, 21.5% 71/330) ≤3 h. These individuals had highest THC intakes (where known). Further analyses revealed that expressed less concern about roadside drug testing effects non‐medicinal medicinal on driving, more frequently, larger amounts, exclusively purposes likely report shorter ‘wait times’. Discussion Conclusion small proportion appear be driving shortly (i.e., h) after considerable quantities THC. behaviour puts them at risk while impaired incurring legal sanctions. Interventions alerting these possible risks are, therefore, warranted.