Nearly two hours after the subjects vape, Guy is engaged in a thoughtful discussion with the woman he’s assessing about the need to address addiction with more treatment and less punitive measures. He then shines a light in her eyes and remarks, “You got big pupils.”
“I am sober,” the woman responds, a sudden edge in her voice.
“You’re not sober,” Guy counters.
“I’m as sober as you’ll get me in the next week or two.”
“Well,” Guy laughs, “it’s all relative.”
For many participants in this trial, their motivation extends beyond merely preventing sober individuals from unnecessary arrests. They aim to demonstrate that experienced cannabis users can safely navigate the roads and should only face arrest if a reliable test, such as the Cognivue assessment, indicates impairment, regardless of when they last consumed marijuana. In straightforward terms, many trial participants admit to driving while high.
“I purposefully get high to drive on mountain highways,” shares a woman clad in a Deadpool jersey. “So beautiful and scenic!”
Another participant states, “It makes me drive more carefully, to be honest. I drive slower.”
This perspective is common among daily marijuana users, who often believe that driving under the influence of cannabis is equally safe—if not safer—than driving sober. Research suggests that experienced users tend to overcompensate for perceived impairment by exercising increased caution and focus. Several study participants felt they performed best on the Cognivue test immediately after vaping, describing themselves as “super zoned in.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing people’s scores improve,” remarks a participant in a kilt. “Take that data to Congress!”
However, drug recognition experts find this confidence concerning. Research from the National Institute of Drug Abuse indicates that even after the effects of cannabis wane, the presence of THC in the system doubles the likelihood of an accident. For daily users, psychomotor ability could remain impaired for up to three weeks even after they stop smoking.
“Even though you feel normal, there are physiological aspects you can’t control,” explains a drug recognition expert named John to one study participant.
“But I’ve been driving for many years,” the participant replies, asserting his capability to handle the roads while high. Despite his bloodshot eyes, he insists he would be fit to drive. When John requests he perform tasks like touching his nose, the participant struggles. He sways during a straight-line walk, admitting, “Whoa, a little shaky on that one!”
After the participant leaves, John expresses frustration about convincing individuals like him. “After decades of education, everyone knows that driving drunk is dangerous, yet 40 percent of smokers claim it doesn’t affect their driving,” he notes. “How do we combat this mindset?”
Many trial participants also believe that driving high in Colorado poses little risk of accidents or legal repercussions. “The cops are so nice here!” multiple individuals remark, emphasizing the community’s generally favorable attitude toward cannabis. A participant with short red hair recounts being let go after being pulled over while smoking a blunt. Another individual describes receiving a speeding ticket after hotboxing but was only advised by the officer to wait four hours before driving again. Others share similar experiences that contribute to a prevailing belief among users.