With the growing legalization of cannabis across the United States, regular use has become much more common. As people begin to use it more frequently, they may grow confident that everyday activities are safe to do while high, such as cooking, going to work, and even driving.
While driving may feel safe after using cannabis, the drug can impair your senses, reaction time, and judgment, making it extremely dangerous to get behind the wheel while high. Driving safety is crucial. Understanding the risks of impaired driving helps build awareness, recognize signs of addiction, and know when it’s time to seek drug abuse treatment in Tampa at Phoenix House Florida.
What is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving means someone is operating a vehicle while their ability to do so safely is compromised. This is typically due to the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing substances.
Cannabis-impaired driving differs from alcohol-impaired driving in the sense that the effects of cannabis, such as slowed reaction time, altered perception, and reduced coordination, can be more subtle and harder to detect. However, both are dangerous due to the way they affect the brain and hinder critical decision-making and motor skills.
How Cannabis Impacts the Brain
Cannabis affects the brain primarily through THC, its main psychoactive compound. THC alters normal brain function by interacting with receptors responsible for memory, coordination, and decision-making.
As a result, regular or high doses of cannabis can impair motor skills, slow reaction time, and disrupt perception, making activities like driving extremely unsafe. These effects may seem subtle at first, but they can significantly compromise a person’s ability to function safely and responsibly.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of regular cannabis use, seeking help is a crucial step. Programs focused on drug abuse recovery in Tampa can provide the support and resources needed to regain control and return to a healthier lifestyle.
Why Cannabis and Cars Don’t Mix
People often say things like “I drive better high,” “It’s not like alcohol,” or “weed doesn’t affect me like that.” But these beliefs are not supported by science. In reality, driving under the influence of cannabis significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drivers who use cannabis are up to twice as likely to be involved in a crash compared to sober drivers.
Cannabis affects the brain and impairs driving ability in more ways than one. It slows reaction time, reduces the ability to multitask, impairs short-term memory, and alters depth perception and spatial awareness. Even if someone feels in control, the cognitive and motor impairments caused by cannabis make it dangerous to get behind the wheel.
Driving High Isn’t Safe — Get Help Through Drug Abuse Treatment in Tampa
Driving high is dangerous, but when someone becomes addicted, it can be easy to justify risky behavior just to maintain the high. At Phoenix House Florida, our team understands these challenges and offers support through effective programs for drug abuse recovery in Tampa. You don’t have to face addiction alone, help is here.
For more information about supporting yourself or your loved ones, give us a call at (813) 881-1000 or request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website do not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.