WEST HARTFORD, CT — As cannabis use becomes more widespread, a new AAA survey reveals a troubling perception among users: nearly half believe marijuana does not impair their driving.
The survey comes as AAA and Connecticut officials push to raise awareness ahead of 4/20, a peak time for cannabis consumption.
In a study surveying 2,000 cannabis users across eight states, 46.9% said they believe their driving remains the same after consuming marijuana. Another 19.4% said they believe they drive better.
“Using cannabis can impair your judgement, it decreases your reaction time, and it does not make you a safer driver,” said Tracy Noble with AAA Club Alliance. “That’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there.”
Driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal in Connecticut and carries penalties equal to drunk driving. According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, more than 2,700 crashes in 2024 involved an impaired driver.
The state data does not distinguish between alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.
AAA is now working with cannabis retailers to change how users perceive impairment.
In New Jersey, AAA has partnered with dispensaries to include flyers about safe consumption with each cannabis purchase and is seeking to replicate that approach in Connecticut.
Budr, a dispensary in West Hartford, supports that message. “You can’t consume and then drive,” said general manager Holly Brothers. “You need to treat it just like you would alcohol.”
Inside Budr, staff provide education to customers.
“So they have full knowledge of the products they’re using and they can make the best judgment call for themselves,” said Brothers. The dispensary also posts signs promoting safe consumption.
AAA emphasized that regardless of the method of use—smoking, vaping, or edibles—the risk remains.
“If you’re going to consume cannabis, don’t drive. It’s that simple,” said Noble. “Nobody is saying don’t do it. We’re simply saying don’t drive.”
As Connecticut observes a rise in cannabis sales and usage, especially during annual celebrations like 4/20, the push to reinforce safety messaging continues.
More than a third of those surveyed said they trust information from cannabis companies, making dispensary partnerships a strategic avenue for public outreach.
