Drugged Driving | Meet the Effects

Don't Drive High  THC slows reaction time, distorts perception, and doubles the risk of a crash.  Colorado Department of Transportation

Meet The Weed Effects

THC is proven to slow reaction time, reduce focus, and temporarily weaken problem solving skills. Consuming THC affects you differently than alcohol, but it impairs driving ability all the same. CDOT’s Meet The Effects Campaign is committed to raising awareness of the dangers of driving high. When someone is high behind the wheel, the chances of a crash are doubled, and the chances of a DUI are even higher. The average cost of a DUI is $13,500 for alcohol and drugs. Keep your high harmless and off the road.

Featured News 

Is Gen Z Driving High More Than Other Generations?

Can you drive safely under the influence of cannabis/alcohol? “Strongly agree” and “somewhat agree” responses by generational age breakdown reported in CDOT’s 2023 Driver Behavior Survey: Cannabis — Age 16-24: 37% Yes, Age 25-34: 17% Yes, Age 35-44: 18% Yes  Alcohol — Age 16-24: 19% Yes, Age 25-34: 14% Yes, Age 35-44: 11% Yes

Generation Z is the first generation of Coloradans who have grown up in a state where recreational cannabis is legal. As this group transitions into adulthood, CDOT is examining how the attitudes and behaviors of Gen Z differ from those of previous generations when it comes to driving high.

Learn more about Gen Z consumers here.

Meet the Bean

Illustration of the three bean characters in their cars with Meet the Effects written above

Is it an avocado? A legume? An eggplant? It’s hard to say for sure. What we do know is that this friendly character has become known as “the bean” in traffic safety circles. We can’t tell you where he came from or where he’s been, but we can tell you why he’s here. He’s been very vocal about it. He’s here to tell us about the dangers of driving high.

For more about educating consumers on marijuana-impaired driving, click here.

What is Delta-8 THC, and if I use it, am I safe to drive?

Black graphic with "Delta 9 vs Delta 8" overlay in yellow and text that reads "What is Delta-8 THC, and if I use it, am I safe to drive?"

But by some estimates, a significant portion of cannabis consumers nationally use cannabis products not approved for legal sale in Colorado. The products are commonly known as “intoxicating hemp” products, or “Delta-8 THC.”

Learn more about Delta-8 THC here.

Dry January: A sobering perspective on safe choices

Green decorative images with text overlay reading "News Break. Native Roots releases industry survey results"

As January rolls in, so does the tradition of Dry January — a commitment to avoid alcohol for the month. This personal challenge has gained traction over the years, promoting a healthier start to the new year. Many Coloradans partake in Dry January — some of them turning to cannabis as an alternative during this time thanks to the legality in our state.

For more about Dry January and the effects of impairment, click here. 

What is micro-dosing and am I safe to drive?

"Micro dosing cannabis, am I safe to drive?" text over a chocolate marijuana edible

So where does this leave people when it comes to deciding whether or not they’re able to drive? It may be a tough decision, but we think the answer is simple: If you feel different, you drive different.

To read the full microdosing post, click here.

Bet you didn't know: Inactive vs. active THC and DUIs

Woman driving a car from the perspective of the backseat passenger. Text overlay reads "Can I get a DUI even if I smoked a week ago?"

80 percent of Coloradans are making responsible choices. But roughly 20 percent of cannabis consumers still report choosing to drive high. Let’s work together, through education and social change, to keep our roads free of impaired drivers.

For more about the common cannabis-impaired DUI misconceptions, click here.