Submission + - Over 40% of Deceased Drivers in Motor Vehicle Crashes Test Positive for THC (facs.org) 1
An anonymous reader writes: New study findings show that over 40% of drivers who died in motor vehicle collisions tested positive for active delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their system, with average blood levels far exceeding those considered to cause impairment. The research highlights a significant and persistent public health risk that is unchanged by the legalization of recreational cannabis, the authors said.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago, October 4–7.
Researchers analyzed coroner records from Montgomery County in Ohio from January 2019 to September 2024, focusing on 246 deceased drivers who were tested for THC following a fatal crash. When autopsies are performed, drug screening is typically part of the process. The study period included the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis in 2023.
The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago, October 4–7.
Researchers analyzed coroner records from Montgomery County in Ohio from January 2019 to September 2024, focusing on 246 deceased drivers who were tested for THC following a fatal crash. When autopsies are performed, drug screening is typically part of the process. The study period included the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis in 2023.
You left out the most important part! (Score:2)
No Effect from Legalization: The rate of drivers who tested positive for THC did not change significantly before or after legalization (42.1% vs. 45.2%), indicating that legal status did not influence the behavior of those who chose to drive after use.
This kind of research is nearly always improperly presented. An accurate title would be "In Ohio, Marijuana Legalization Has Not Prevented Intoxicated Driving In the Last Six Years".
It's also important to note that societal behaviors change across generations, so it's no surprise there was no sudden drop. We will have the first real results in another 20 years or so. Another thing that matters is how the region of interest differs from other regions.