News & Events

Nearly half of Virginia’s marijuana consumers report not always having a plan for a sober ride.

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) has launched radio and television public service announcements (PSAs) for its Safe Driving Campaign, which aims to increase awareness of the risks and costs of driving under the influence of cannabis and underscores the importance of planning for a sober ride.

This campaign grew out of a 2022 CCA survey of Virginians’ attitudes and behaviors regarding cannabis use and driving. The survey reached a representative cross-section of more than 750 Virginians aged 16 and older.

Key Findings:

• 16% of Virginians reported having driven after using marijuana in the past year.
• 47% of the marijuana consumers surveyed reported not always having a plan for a sober ride.
• 24% of respondents indicated they have been a passenger in a car operated by a high driver more than once in the past year.
• 30% of respondents mistakenly believe that cannabis consumers tend to drive slower and more cautiously than those who do not consume and that, as a result, they are usually safer drivers.

The survey also found that Virginians do not perceive marijuana-impaired driving to be nearly as dangerous as other risky behaviors associated with driving, such as texting while driving, speeding, or consuming alcohol or using illegal drugs while or before driving. This perception is not based in fact. Driving high carries similar risks to driving drunk and, in Virginia, has the same legal consequences. Driving under the influence of marijuana in the Commonwealth is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Virginians who drive high risk losing their licenses.

”Although cannabis laws have changed in Virginia, it is still illegal to drive under the influence,” said Jeremy Preiss, the CCA’s Acting Head and Chief Officer of Regulatory, Policy, and External Affairs. “Driving while high is dangerous and costly. When consuming cannabis, Virginians should stay home or plan for a sober ride either by designating a sober driver or by using a ridesharing service.”

The CCA’s Safe Driving Campaign will include TV and radio PSAs, a social media campaign, and partnership efforts with other Virginia agencies, organizations, and businesses to inform Virginians of the risks of driving while high. The ads target recreational and medical consumers, parents, and friends of consumers.

To learn more about the CCA and the Safe Driving Campaign, visit cca.virginia.gov.

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