Cannabis is a frequently used drug product among college students as well as the adult population. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive (mind affecting) compound in cannabis, and it is commonly detected in serious and fatally injured drivers. THC impairment is characterized by disturbances in consciousness, cognition, perception, behavior, coordination and/or movement.
There are several specific problems related to the general populations safe use of cannabis and accurate detection in impaired drivers, including its metabolism, fat-loving nature, recent increased availability of more concentrated forms, routes of use and detection, little correlation between THC bodily fluid concentrations and impairment, product labeling errors/purity issues, and current limitations in the techniques used to access THC driving impairment. Additionally, several states are allowing on-site consumption of marijuana products, creating potential liability issues and the need for DRAM shop “like” liability laws.
In this presentation, Dr. Michael Whitekus and Mr. Mark Meredith will discuss the current challenges associated with the safe use of cannabis and its accurate detection in impaired drivers.