Driving

Using marijuana before driving increases the chances of being in a crash.

How do we know? Experts we trust found substantial evidence that marijuana use prior to driving increases the risk of being involved in a crash.

Most Montana drivers never drive after using marijuana.

How do we know? A survey developed by experts we trust found approximately 94% of Montanans don’t drive under the influence of marijuana.

There is a lot of information about marijuana. Some is accurate, and some is not. You can use these questions to understand what you hear about marijuana.

Where does this information come from?

The information on how marijuana increases the chances of being in a crash comes from experts we trust, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. They have experts study tough issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and provide independent and objective information. They have no financial interest in the information (they aren’t trying to sell anything to you). The information that most Montana drivers never drive after using marijuana comes from a survey called the National Survey on Drug Use and Health that is administered annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This survey provides nationally and state representative data about people aged 12 or older in the United States.They have no financial interest in the information (they aren’t trying to sell anything to you). They are interested in understanding trends about this behavior over time and across the US.

Why are we telling you this?

There is a lot of information out there, and it can be confusing. We want you to understand that marijuana can increase the chances of being in a crash so that you can make healthy choices.

We want you to know that most Montana drivers never drive after using marijuana so that you know that most people in Montana are making healthy choices.

How do you know it’s accurate?

The information about marijuana and crash risk is based on the conclusions of multiple studies – each of which was reviewed by several researchers not involved in the study. Using multiple studies that have been reviewed by other researchers decreases the chances of errors. This is the most accurate information available at this time.

The information about the behaviors of most Montana drivers is based on a survey of a representative sample of people in Montana. This survey is done every year so that we can see trends over time.

How does this help you make healthy choices?

Growing your knowledge and asking questions about how marijuana use impacts driving can help you make healthy choices. Using marijuana before driving increases the chances of being in a crash. Most Montana drivers never drive after using marijuana.

It’s up to you to choose.

Give a firm “No thanks."
Change the subject.
Say your parents are really strict.
Say you have to get up early tomorrow for school, work, or practice.
Say you will be driving.
Plan ahead to avoid situations where people might be using.

Ask the person to not get in their vehicle and drive.
Offer to hold the person’s keys and to find both of you a safe ride.
Offer to call an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or someone who is not under the influence of marijuana or other substances to give the person a ride home.
Call the police.