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By Regan Tate

AMA concerned about road risks of edibles

Dec 5, 2019 | 10:07 AM

Medicine Hat, AB– A new survey released today by the Alberta Motor Association reveals uncertainty about the road risks associated with edibles.

The AMA says more than one in five Albertans admitted they don’t know what effect edibles’ have on driving. One in four were unsure how the danger compared to smoking or vaping cannabis. The AMA says this gap in public awareness is a definite concern especially since holiday parties are in full swing and edibles could be hitting shelves as early as mid-month.

AMA’s Vice-President of Government and Stakeholder Relations Jeff Kasbrick says, “whether it’s smoked, vaped, or ingested as an edible, cannabis is cannabis and should always be separated from driving.”

Kasbrick adds, “What’s different is that edibles have a delayed effect that can mislead people into thinking they’re ok to get behind the wheel. This increases the risk of being surprised by impairment while driving.”

A study conducted by CAA in Ontario earlier this year found 72% of cannabis users drove within three hours of using. 27% of those admitted still feeling high. The AMA is concerned about these behaviours prevailing here because Alberta has one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the country.

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The AMA says cannabis can affect reaction time, attention span, decision making, and coordination so it’s best not to risk getting behind the wheel if you have consumed.

The online survey was fielded to 1,818 AMA members provincewide between Sept. 25 and Oct. 11, 2019.

EDIBLES & ALBERTA DRIVERS BY THE NUMBERS

21%: Albertans unsure of edibles’ effect on driving

26%: Albertans who don’t know how the risks compare to smoking or vaping cannabis

24%: Albertans who think edibles are riskier than smoked or vaped cannabis

45%: Albertans who assume edibles pose the same risk as smoked or vaped cannabis

5%: Albertans who think edibles are safer for drivers than smoked or vaped cannabis

Source: Alberta Motor Association