Among college students, past-year cannabis use has increased significantly in recent years from 38% in 2015 to 44% in 2020. In addition, alcohol and drug consumption among college students increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due increased stress and decreased social connectedness. These factors may have also impacted high-risk substance use behaviors such as drug-impaired driving. Cannabis is the most common non-alcoholic drug implicated in motor vehicle collisions with drivers aged 21-25 having the highest prevalence of driving under the influence of cannabis. This study examines rates of driving after cannabis use (DACU) and sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors for DACU among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The study’s sample consisted of 16,531 college students who participated in the American College Health Association- National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHA III) and indicated both cannabis use in the last 30 days and driving a vehicle in the previous 30 days. Students were asked to report if they had driven within 6 hours of using cannabis during the past 30 days. Participants were also asked to report car accidents within the past 12 months, driving after alcohol use, and binge drinking during the past 2 weeks. Lastly, respondents were asked about past diagnosis of alcohol or substance disorder (AUD/SUD), anxiety, or depression. Stress levels and suicide risk during the COVID-19 pandemic was also assessed. Data was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.  

Results of the data analysis showed that 29.9% of students reported DACU. DACU was more common among males compared to females and Non-Hispanic Black respondents compared to non-Hispanic White participants. In addition, DACU was reported more among those diagnosed AUD/SUD or anxiety and those with a positive suicidality screen. There was a significant relationship between DACU and drinking while driving and being involved in a collision during the previous 2 weeks. Lastly, there were no significant correlations between financial stress or stress due to COVID-19 and DACU. 

Takeaway: Some risk factors for driving after cannabis use among college students include being male, non-Hispanic Black, alcohol or substance use disorder, higher suicidality, and drinking while driving.  

Tang, Y., Abildso, C.G., Lilly, C.L., Winstanley, E.L., Rudisill, T.M.. Risk Factors Associated with Driving After Marijuana Use among US College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2022. Doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.10.027