title: [Cannabis affects driving skills].
abstract: Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most important psychoactive substance in cannabis, is frequently detected in blood from apprehended drivers suspected for drugged driving. Both experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the negative effects of THC upon cognitive functions and psychomotor skills. These effects could last longer than a measurable concentration of THC in blood. Culpability studies have recently demonstrated an increased risk of becoming responsible in fatal or injurious traffic accidents, even with low blood concentrations of THC. It has also been demonstrated that there is a correlation between the degree of impairment, the drug dose and the THC blood concentration. It is very important to focus on the negative effect of cannabis on fitness to drive in order to prevent injuries and loss of human life and to avoid large economic consequences to the society.
authors.affiliation: Divisjon for rettstoksikologi og rusmiddelforskning, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Postboks 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo. hassan.khiabani@fhi.no
authors.forename: Hassan Z
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Khiabani
authors.forename: Asbjørg S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Christophersen
authors.forename: Jørg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mørland
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001334:Automobile Driving; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D013759:Dronabinol