Evaluating THC Cutoff Levels for Impaired Driving with Patricia DiCiano, PhD

Dr. Patricia DiCiano is a scientist with the Institute for Mental Health and Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto. Patricia has a multi-disciplinary background and her general research area is clinical trials and regulated studies into the safety of cannabis and other substances of abuse. Earlier this year, she co-authored a study that evaluated the utility of THC cutoff levels in blood and saliva for the detection of impaired driving. 

During our conversation, we discussed: 

• The different allowable limits for THC levels in drivers 
• The relationship between THC levels and impaired driving 
• The best fluid to test for THC impairment 
• The additive effects of combining alcohol and cannabis on driving impairment 
• The differences in how alcohol and cannabis affect driving performance  

Thanks to this episode’s sponsor: Trusted Canna Nurse 

Trusted Canna Nurse was founded by Megan Mbengue and Ariane Williams, two nurses who are dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medicine and the world of cannabis and psychedelics. They specialize in creating evidence-based treatment plans for all ages that address chronic illnesses, treatment-resistant conditions, mental health, autism, and more. 

Learn more at trustedcannanurse.com 

Additional Resources

• The Utility of THC Cutoff Levels in Blood and Saliva for Detection of Impaired Driving
• Canadian Cannabis Survey
• The “Next Day” Effects of Cannabis Use: A Systematic Review
• Register for CannMed 24
• Review the Podcast!
• CannMed Archive