High Hopes? Luck Won’t Save You: Debunking Myths about THC and Driving in Missoula🍀
- Steve Schmidt - Drive Safe Missoula
- Mar 14
- 9 min read
Driving under the influence of cannabis (THC) is a major public safety concern right here in Missoula, Montana. Recreational marijuana use is so common I often smell it just sitting at an intersection. Now many people have questions and, maybe more importantly, misconceptions about how it affects the ability to drive safely.
Does THC really make driving dangerous? Are experienced users somehow exempt from its effects? Let's explore the facts about THC and driving, debunk some common myths, look at what's happening locally in Missoula, and offer practical advice for staying safe and sober behind the wheel.
How THC Impairs Driving Ability (The Facts)
THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, affects the parts of the brain responsible for movement, balance, coordination, memory, and judgment. This directly translates to impaired driving skills, including slower reaction times, reduced motor coordination, and a distorted sense of time and distance. A driver under the influence of marijuana might react too slowly to hazards, struggle to maintain lane position, or misjudge distances – all critical skills for safe driving.
Scientific research confirms that recent cannabis use significantly increases the risk of car crashes. In fact, drivers with THC in their system face about a 20–30% higher chance of being involved in a motor vehicle crash compared to sober drivers. This risk is even greater when marijuana is combined with alcohol or other substances, as their impairing effects add up. The clear takeaway is that marijuana impairs the essential abilities needed for safe driving, regardless of what some users might believe.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Driving High
There's a lot of inaccurate information circulating about cannabis and driving. Let's break down some of the most common myths and look at the facts:
Myth: “Marijuana doesn’t impair my driving.” Some people believe they drive perfectly fine after using cannabis, or even that it makes them more careful.
Fact: This is incorrect. THC impairs motor skills, reaction time, decision-making, and judgment – no exceptions. Research clearly demonstrates that cannabis use negatively impacts the abilities you need to drive safely. For instance, it can make it harder to stay in your lane and react quickly to unexpected events. You might feel capable of driving, but your reflexes and perception are actually dulled. Importantly, impaired drivers often cannot accurately assess their own impairment, meaning you're probably the worst judge of whether you're "okay to drive" after using THC. Don't rely on a feeling; the science is clear: driving high is dangerous.
Myth: “I drive better when I’m high” or “Experienced smokers can handle it.” Some long-time cannabis users claim they've developed a tolerance and aren't affected like new users.
Fact: Nobody is "immune" to the effects of THC. Even regular or experienced users show driving impairment, even if they don’t feel very high. While tolerance might reduce the feeling of intoxication, it does not eliminate the performance deficits such as slowed reaction time and reduced attention span. Driving is a complex task that requires multitasking, and studies show that THC reduces a driver’s ability to multitask safely. Simply put, an experienced user is still an impaired driver. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different – being even slightly "buzzed" on cannabis is not driving sober. Any level of impairment can lead to a crash or a DUI.
Myth: “It’s safer than drunk driving, so it’s no big deal.” While alcohol and THC affect driving differently, this doesn’t mean driving high is safe.
Fact: Driving under the influence of marijuana carries significant risks. Research suggests that being high on cannabis can double your risk of a motor vehicle crash compared to sober driving. Cannabis also impairs your ability to stay in a lane and avoid obstacles, which is just as dangerous as a drunk driver's lack of control. Crucially, even a small amount of alcohol combined with THC dramatically increases impairment – so mixing even a little of each is not safe. Don’t be misled by a false sense of security; sober driving is the only truly safe driving.
Myth: “Weed is legal now, so driving high isn’t that illegal.” With legal marijuana use for adults in Montana, some may think DUI laws don't really apply or that police can't enforce them.
Fact: In Montana (and every state), it is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis, just like it is for alcohol. Montana law specifies that drivers with a THC blood level of 5 ng/ml or higher are over the legal limit and can be charged with DUI. Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize drug impairment – many are certified Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) – and they can tell if a driver is high through field sobriety tests and observations. In Missoula and across the state, a marijuana DUI (sometimes called DUI-D) carries the same penalties as an alcohol DUI, including significant fines, license suspension, and even jail time for repeat offenses. So, yes, you absolutely can get a DUI for driving high, and the consequences are serious. Legal cannabis does not mean it's legal to drive after using it.
Missoula’s Growing Concern: Local Trends and Laws
Missoula is facing the challenges of increased cannabis use on road safety. Since recreational marijuana sales began in Montana in 2022, Missoula County has seen a significant increase in availability with numerous dispensaries. Unfortunately, local officials have observed concerning trends. For example, cannabis-related DUIs in Missoula have more than doubled in the past seven years. This increase indicates that more people are driving after using THC, raising serious concerns for public safety.
Montana's laws are clear: driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal statewide. The state uses a THC blood level of 5 ng/ml as the legal limit for impairment. If you are at or above this level, you can be prosecuted for DUI-D even if you believe you are driving fine. Police in Missoula and throughout Montana are actively working to identify impaired drivers, especially since legalization, with increased training for officers to recognize drug impairment and public awareness campaigns emphasizing that "drive high, get a DUI" is the law. Montana law enforcement anticipated an increase in marijuana-related DUI cases after legalization and have intensified their efforts accordingly.
Local initiatives are also in place to combat impaired driving. Missoula County has a DUI Task Force which is part of Drive Safe Missoula. This task force is dedicated to prevention and education related to impaired driving from both alcohol and drugs. This task force engages in outreach programs, supports enforcement efforts, and helps coordinate public safety campaigns.
Statewide, Montana has launched public education campaigns through it's new Engage Montana website. Perhaps you've seen "Andy the Dog." This one is about driving under the influence of alcohol, but you get the idea.
You might also be familiar with slogans like “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different” to remind drivers that any impairment is dangerous. You may have seen billboards or social media ads highlighting the risks of driving high – these are part of Montana’s efforts to keep our roads safe. While the community is taking steps to address this issue, it ultimately relies on individual responsibility: Missoula needs everyone to make safe choices and never drive under the influence of THC.
Safe Practices: Cannabis and Responsible Driving
Staying safe means planning ahead and making smart choices before you get behind the wheel. Here are some practical recommendations for responsible cannabis use if you will be driving:
Wait, wait, wait – give it time to sober up. The impairing effects of THC last much longer than the “high” might feel. Driving ability can be affected for several hours after using cannabis. Studies indicate that for a typical dose of smoked marijuana, impairment can last around 3–5 hours, and with higher doses or edibles, it could be up to 8–10 hours or even longer. One study found that young drivers still showed an increased crash risk even five hours after using cannabis. There’s no exact timeframe for how long to wait, as it varies depending on the individual, the potency of the cannabis, and how it was consumed. However, a good rule of thumb is to plan to wait at least several hours (minimum 4-6 hours) after smoking cannabis before driving – and consider a full night’s sleep after using edibles, which take longer to metabolize. If you still feel any effects, do not drive. When in doubt, wait it out or find another ride.
Use a sober ride or alternative transportation. The safest choice if you’ve used THC is not to drive at all. Arrange another way to get where you’re going. In Missoula, options include calling a sober friend or family member, using a rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft), taking a taxi, or using the Mountain Line bus if it's available. Plan ahead: if you know you'll be using cannabis away from home, figure out your return travel beforehand. For example, carpool with a designated driver who will stay completely sober, or budget for a rideshare. Driving yourself should not be an option if you’ are high. It’s much better to pay for a ride than to risk a crash or a DUI.
If you drove somewhere and then used cannabis, don’t drive home. Sometimes people drive to a location, use cannabis, and then face the dilemma of their car being there. The solution is simple: leave the car and find another way home. You can always retrieve your vehicle later. It might be inconvenient, but it's much better than putting yourself and others in danger. Part of responsible harm reduction is being willing to change plans – your safety is worth it.
Never mix substances if you plan to drive. As mentioned earlier, alcohol and cannabis together are a particularly dangerous combination. Even if each is consumed in moderation, the combination significantly increases impairment of coordination and judgment. If you’ve had any alcohol, you should not use cannabis and drive (or vice versa). The safest approach is to separate substance use from driving entirely. Save the drinks or cannabis for when you’re safely home for the night, or ensure you have a sober ride. Mixing drugs not only increases your crash risk but can also lead to more severe legal penalties if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Know Montana’s laws and stick to them. Responsible consumption involves not only safety but also legality. In Montana, driving under the influence of marijuana is a DUI offense, just like drunk driving. There is no "okay" level of THC for driving except zero. Remember that 5 ng/ml of THC in your blood is the legal limit – which means even a single joint or a few puffs from a vape can potentially put you over the limit, depending on potency. Don't take that risk. Also, if you are transporting cannabis in your car, ensure it is stored properly (unopened and out of reach, such as in the trunk). Following the law helps protect you from legal trouble, but more importantly, following the spirit of the law (not driving impaired at all) protects you and others from harm.
Watch out for friends – “friends don’t let friends drive high.” We all remember the saying "friends don't let friends drive drunk." The same principle applies to cannabis. If you're with someone who has been using marijuana, don't let them get behind the wheel. Take their keys if necessary and help them find a safe way home. It might feel awkward to intervene, but you could be saving a life (and preventing your friend from getting a DUI). In Missoula's community, looking out for each other is crucial. Let's foster a culture where driving high is socially unacceptable, just as drunk driving has become.
Some Local and State Resources to Learn More
The CannWeChat is a public health media campaign designed to increase the number of parents and caregivers in Missoula County who talk with their children about the potential risks of underage marijuana use on a regular basis. The campaign is a project of the Healthy Missoula Youth Coalition.
If you are under 21, here's some important information about the Think First Montana campaign which encourages youth to:
Understand how marijuana for youth is harmful. Brain development continues through the early 20s. Marijuana use can negatively affect memory, learning, and concentration.
Apply critical thinking about what they see and hear about marijuana. Not all information online and from friends is accurate. Think First Montana provides reliable resources to help youth sort fact from fiction.
Ask more questions about marijuana to get accurate information. The Think First Montana website is an excellent resource for reliable information.
The campaign website, ThinkFirstMontana.org, provides youth with easy-to-understand information about the risks of marijuana use including topics like addiction, mental and physical health, driving, and Montana laws.
Think First Montana emphasizes the importance of questioning messages in pro-marijuana media and conversations with others. The campaign encourages youth to make healthy choices for their future.
Myths Busted, Safety First
It’s time to dispel the myths about driving high. The reality is that THC impairs driving ability, regardless of how confident you feel or how experienced a user you are. Missoula’s increasing rates of marijuana-impaired driving demonstrate that this is not just a theoretical issue; it's happening on our roads right now. The good news is that it is entirely preventable. By understanding the facts and making responsible choices, we can keep ourselves and our community safe.
Cannabis can be enjoyed responsibly by adults, but “responsible” means not driving after using it. Plan ahead, wait until you are completely sober, or choose not to drive at all if you've used THC. Remember that legalization is not a free pass to drive under the influence – protecting public safety is everyone’s responsibility. In Missoula and beyond, the message is simple: If you feel different, you drive different. Please don’t risk it. Stay safe, use cannabis in moderation, and always ensure you are sober and alert when you’re on the road. Your life and the lives of others depend on it.
Stay safe out there, and Drive Safe Missoula
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