Novel Approaches to Assessing Cannabis Impaired Driving (NAACID)
Investigating the Effects of Cannabis on Driving Performance
Study Overview
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health, and Injury & Violence Prevention Center want to learn more about how people are affected by cannabis in different ways. We will use a driving simulator to compare the driving performance of adults who use cannabis daily, occasionally or have not recently used cannabis.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Cannabis Use
-
Age: 25 years - 55 years
-
Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria:
- The following are inclusion criteria for participants to be enrolled in any of the
four phases of the study:
- Participants who are ≥21 years old and ≤55 years old
- Participants who are able to provide written, informed consent
- Participants with active healthcare coverage (including health insurance, Medicaid, etc.)
- Participants who are willing to complete up to two in-person study visits (one for Phases 1 & 2, and two for Phases 3 & 4), including up to two urine drug screens, two alcohol breathalyzer tests, and one urine pregnancy test (if applicable)
- Participants who agree to refrain from using non-prescription psychotropic drugs (e.g., ecstasy), hallucinogens, and synthetic cannabinoids during the study
- Participants who agree to refrain from drinking >3 alcoholic drinks the day prior to the data collection study visit (the single visit for Phases 1 & 2, and the second visit for Phases 3 & 4)
- Participants who agree to refrain from using any cannabis products for at least 8 hours prior to the data collection study visit (the single visit for Phases 1 & 2, and the second visit for Phases 3 & 4)
- Participants who are willing to provide and use their own cannabis product that has been procured from a licensed dispensary, is labeled with THC potency, and contains <2% CBD (cannabis use groups only; the single visit for Phases 1 & 2, and the second visit for Phases 3 & 4)
- Participants who agree to have a sober driver pick them up after the data collection study visit (cannabis use groups only; the single visit for Phases 1 & 2, and the second visit for Phases 3 & 4)
- Participants who take at least 2 inhalations ("hits") during their typical inhalational (smoking/vaporizing) sessions, or ingest at least 5 mg of THC when they consume edible cannabis products (cannabis use groups only)
- Participants who are willing to provide a sample of their cannabis to be independently tested for potency and terpene content (Phases 1, 3 & 4 only)
Exclusion Criteria:
- The following are exclusion criteria for participants to be enrolled in any of the
four phases of the study:
- Prisoners
- Participants who have nocturnal schedules (e.g., work night shifts)
- Participants with a history of abuse or addiction to substances other than cannabis (e.g., prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals, alcohol, or illicit drugs)
- Participants who have expressed an interest in substance abuse treatment within the 60 days prior to study enrollment
- Participants who report consuming an average of >3 alcoholic drinks per day in the 30 days prior to study enrollment
- Participants with any past or current diagnosis of schizophrenia, narcolepsy, heart disease, epilepsy, or a traumatic brain injury
- Participants who are currently experiencing untreated bipolar disorder, major depression, sleep apnea, or other uncontrolled medical conditions as determined by the investigators (e.g., hypertension)
- Participants with a known balance or gait disorder
- Participants with color blindness (Phase 2 only)
- Participants who currently wear hard contact lenses for vision correction (Phase 2 only)
- Participants who have donated 450 mL or more of blood in the two weeks prior to study enrollment
- Participants who are pregnant or breastfeeding (female participants only)
- Participants who report never using cannabis before in their lifetime (Phases 1 & 2 only)
- Participants with a history of clinically significant adverse event(s) associated with cannabis intoxication (e.g., lightheadedness, nausea, dizziness, etc., cannabis use groups only)
- Participants with uncorrected visual acuity disorder, defined as binocular vision worse than 20/40 (Phases 2, 3 & 4 only; determined at screening)
- Participants with a body mass index >40 kg/m2 (determined at screening)
- Participants with a positive breath alcohol test (breathalyzer) at screening
- Participants who are otherwise unsuitable for inclusion in the study, based on the opinion of the investigator
This study investigates how cannabis affects driving performance in adults who use it daily, occasionally, or have not recently used it. Researchers will use a driving simulator to measure the driving performance of these different groups. Cannabis is a plant that some people use for medical or recreational purposes. It can affect the brain and body in various ways, including how a person drives.
Participants in the study will visit a research center, where they will complete tasks in a driving simulator. They will undergo tests such as urine drug screens and alcohol breathalyzer tests. Participants who use cannabis will need to bring their own product from a licensed dispensary, which will be tested for potency and content. The study aims to understand the differences in driving abilities among these groups.
- Who can participate: Adults aged 21 to 55 with active healthcare coverage, who can provide informed consent, may participate. They must be willing to attend up to two study visits and refrain from using certain substances beforehand, and provide their own cannabis if in the cannabis use group.
- Study details: Participants will engage in driving simulations and undergo drug and alcohol tests. Cannabis users must bring their own product for testing and use. No placebo is involved.
- Study Visits: The study requires 2 visits.
Find a study site near you
,
Send a message
Enter your contact details to connect with study team
Primary Contact
