Washington State legalizing recreational marijuana did not lead to an increase in the percentage of young people driving under the influence of either cannabis or alcohol, finds a new study.
The study was published in the recent issue of the journal Prevention Science, and it was conducted by researchers at the University of Washington. The study is titled Young Adult Alcohol and Cannabis Impaired Driving After the Opening of Cannabis Retail Stores in Washington State.
“Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for young adults (YA) in the USA, and driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA), cannabis (DUIC), and simultaneous use of both substances (DUIAC) are prominent risk factors”, begins the study’s abstract. “Trends in YA impaired driving behaviors after opening of cannabis retail stores have been understudied.”
With that in mind, for this study researchers “examined YA trends in DUIA, DUIC, and DUIAC from immediately prior through 5 years following the opening of cannabis retail outlets in Washington State (2014-2019).”
Differences in trends were assessed across age, sex, and urbanicity, with weighted logistic regressions assessed yearly change in prevalence of DUIA, DUIC, and DUIAC from 2014 to 2019, using annual statewide data from the Washington Young Adult Health Survey (n = 12,963; ages 18-25). Moderation of trends by age, sex, and urbanicity was assessed.
“Prevalence of DUIA decreased overall (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.90, 0.97) and among drinkers (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.91, 0.99) but remained at concerning levels in 2019 (10% overall; 16% among drinkers)”, states the study.” Overall DUIC did not change significantly (AOR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.96, 1.03; 11% by 2019) but decreased among those who used cannabis (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86, 0.96; 33% by 2019). DUIAC decreased but not significantly (overall: AOR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.78, 1.01; those who used alcohol and cannabis: AOR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74, 1.04).”
For more information on this study, click here.
