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CAA National — Cannabis Impaired Driving — Cannabis Road Safety Laws

Cannabis Road Safety Laws

Every year, there are tens of thousands of impaired driving incidents in Canada, including several thousand drug-impaired driving incidents.

Canadian legislation prohibits driving while impaired by alcohol, cannabis or a combination of both. Impaired driving is a serious crime that can threaten both your and your loved ones’ safety and that of others on the road. CAA has compiled information you need to know about cannabis and impaired driving in Canada.

Cannabis regulation varies between jurisdictions. This Government of Canada tool shares links to all provincial and territorial legislation, with a brief breakdown of the regulations. 

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Learn more about your province or territory’s legislation

AB BC MB NB NL NT NS NU ON PE QC SK YT

Cannabis impaired driving statistics

Let’s clear the air. Here are some statistics on cannabis consumption and the effect it has on driving:

1 in 5

One in five younger Canadians say they have driven high or have travelled in a vehicle with a high driver.

– CAA Polling, 2020

12%

12% of young Canadians (aged 18 to 34) believe their driving is better or the same after consuming cannabis.

– CAA polling, 2020

50%

Half (50%) of young Canadians say they think it is safe to drive less than five hours after consuming cannabis.

– CAA polling, 2020

89%

89% of young Canadians say they wouldn’t drive themselves home after drinking alcohol, yet 66% of those same individuals would be willing to drive themselves home after consuming cannabis.

– CAA polling, 2018

Learn more about impaired driving

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired driving is a serious criminal offence in Canada. The legal limits for cannabis permitted in a person’s blood are so low it’s best to never mix cannabis and driving. Don’t take a chance. Don’t drive high.

While inhaled forms of cannabis can reach your lungs within a few minutes and produce higher euphoric effects quickly, edibles need to be digested to get in your blood stream and effects take longer to appear. Maximum THC blood levels occur between one and six hours later and the effects could last for up to 20 hours. (University of Toronto).

Everyone’s response to cannabis differs and can vary with the form of consumption. Cannabis can cause drowsiness, slower reaction times, lower the ability to pay attention and impair coordination. Using cannabis and then driving or operating heavy machinery can result in an accident, serious injury or death (Government of Canada).

According to CAA-funded research, young Canadians who inhale cannabis are at a greater risk of a vehicle crash even five hours after consumption. The effects of edible cannabis can take longer to appear, and the impairing effects can last longer too. While research varies, edibles may remain in your system for up to 12 hours. Edibles may cause a different or delayed type of high compared to smoking and as such it is important to know your plans before eating anything. Schedule a rideshare, have a designated driver or spend the evening at home – just don’t get behind the wheel. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).

Yes, despite the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, it can still affect cognitive abilities, impairing a person’s ability to drive safely. This is the same reason why some prescription drugs come with warnings not to drive or operate heavy equipment while taking them (Canadian Public Health Association). Consult your doctor before driving after taking a prescription for medical cannabis.

Just like you shouldn’t drink and drive, don’t drive high.  If you are impaired, here are some options to avoid putting yourself, passengers, and other drivers at risk.

  • Plan ahead, have a designated driver.
  • Call a friend or loved one to pick you up.
  • Take public transit.
  • Call a cab or ridesharing service.
  • Stay over.

Police enforce drug-impaired driving laws using a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). The law permits police to use approved drug screening devices to detect the recent presence of several drugs, including THC from cannabis.

Following a legal roadside stop, police can demand an oral fluid sample and/or conduct an SFST if they suspect you are driving under the influence of a drug.