Legalizing medical marijuana reduces drunk driving, new data shows

New data finds an association between states with medical marijuana programs and a lower risk of dangerous driving and automobile accidents. The data is part of a study in Health Economics that analyzed insurance information and trends from auto companies from 2014 to 2019.

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The study found that auto insurance premiums fell in states with medical marijuana programs as cars were involved in fewer accidents on the road.

According to the study, premiums fell about $22 a year after states activated their medical marijuana programs. Researchers believe this is due to fewer car accidents and drunk driving in these states as drivers substitute alcohol for cannabis.

“The legalization of medical cannabis has reduced auto insurance premiums by $1.5 billion in all states currently legalized, with the potential to reduce premiums by an additional $900 million if the remaining states legalize,” it said in the study.

The results are not fully understood, but the link between legal cannabis and a reduction in drunk driving is significant. While driving while intoxicated is potentially dangerous and should be avoided and monitored, the fact that legal marijuana could curb drunk driving is important. Statistics say that drunk driving causes 10,000 deaths annually, accounting for just under 30% of road fatalities.

Marijuana and alcohol use work differently. Despite the fact that both substances change people’s perceptions, people who use marijuana tend to stay at home or go to house parties. Alcohol causes the opposite behavior and encourages people to drive into bars and clubs.

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When it comes to driving while high, the phenomenon is complicated as the available data provides conflicting evidence. While it is clear that marijuana affects people’s reactions and ability to think clearly, more research is needed to understand its effects on drivers and car accidents.