It doesn’t matter how bent you are – stay straight to drive!
Monday, 21 April 2008.
Originally from express article 26 March 2008
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Di from CADS on cannabis and driving. |
How many of us have driven after having a joint or two...? Isn’t it strange that if we don’t think we can get caught (i.e. breathalysed) we will take risks that could cost us our lives...
Well think about it. Driving is a skill that takes good coordination, instant reactions, clear vision and of course being mentally alert. Is this how someone feels after smoking pot (cannabis)? How about the strong stuff!
Cannabis is a depressant – which means it slows down the activity of the brain and other areas of the central nervous system. The stronger types of cannabis (hash, buds) can also produce hallucinations, which means perception changes, people’s sense of time can be affected and some people see or hear things that are not there.
So what are the possible dangers posed by someone who has smoked cannabis. Well the person is going to be affected immediately and the effects can last up to three to four hours. If people eat cannabis the effects can take up to 90 minutes to come on – and can last up to 5 hours.
If they drive within this time they may:
- Have a slower reaction time – essential for driving
- Be easily distracted
- Drive erratically as their perception on time and movement is affected
- Not be able to think clearly and make risky decisions
Some times, long-term heavy smokers, who have a high tolerance for cannabis, think that they are not affected in the same way. This is true in a very limited way. They may not feel like the drug is affecting them, but it is. It is still slowing down those brain messages that are so essential for making the multiple, complex decisions and reactions necessary for driving.
The same can be said for any mind altering drug – including stimulants and some medications. They all impair brain function. If cannabis is combined with other drugs, the impairment is potentially much greater.
So – lets take a leaf out of the drink drive campaign. If you use any mind altering drugs, take a taxi, stay the night, or be the ‘straight’ driver for your friends’ night out.
We are too precious to be maimed and killed in such an avoidable way.
Be totally bent – but make sure you are straight to drive.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's cannabis or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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