Driving with cannabis and medication: pharmacists explain and warn

The intoxicating active ingredient of the cannabis plant, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can have a calming effect, but can also cause euphoria and significantly reduce alertness. 
A new limit value for THC has therefore been in force for driving since the end of August. This serves to ensure continued road safety following the partial legalization of cannabis. 
However, pharmacists are critical of the regulation, as the appropriate measuring devices for the police are still lacking and the available rapid test can only determine whether cannabis consumption is present or not. 
In particular, pharmacists warn against cannabis use when taking medication at the same time.

The new limit set by the German government is 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. 
According to a panel of experts, this is comparable to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 per mille. 
If the limit value is exceeded, safe driving is no longer sufficiently guaranteed.
However, there is an absolute ban on cannabis for novice drivers during the two-year driving test period, as well as for people under the age of 21. 
Furthermore, it is absolutely forbidden for drivers to consume both cannabis and alcohol

Risky mix: cannabis and medication

Cannabis use can have a significant impact on driving ability, especially in combination with medication. This is because cannabis use, especially smoking cannabis, affects liver enzymes that can strengthen or weaken the effect of many medicines. 
Just how risky such a mix can be is illustrated by the fact that some drugs can have a negative effect on driving even without the involvement of cannabis. 
This applies to both prescription drugs and those that can be obtained without a prescription.
These include, for example, sleeping pills and tranquillizers, allergy tablets, but also some cough medicines or painkillers. In contrast to alcohol, however, cannabis can influence the effect of medicines over a longer period of time. 
This is especially true if you consume cannabis more than twice a week. For this reason, chronically ill people in particular should find out whether cannabis use can interact with medication they are taking.

Zero tolerance for cannabis while driving

How do you stay safe on the road? Which combinations are best avoided? As drug experts, pharmacists can provide expert advice on these questions and the risks of combining medication with cannabis.
This type of advice in the local pharmacy is an important building block for greater patient safety.
By the way: Even below the legal limit of THC, concentration and attention are sometimes impaired and reaction and decision times are prolonged. 
This can lead to a risky driving style. Conspicuous driving behavior with proven drug consumptionn can have legal consequences. 
Many pharmacists are therefore in favor of zero tolerance for cannabis at the wheel.

Violation may result in a fine and driving ban

Anyone who violates the new limit risks a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. 
Drivers who consume cannabis and alcohol and then get behind the wheel even face a fine of generally 1,000 euros as a rule.

© Apothekerverband Nordrhein e.V. in Kooperation mit der Avoxa – Mediengruppe Deutscher Apotheker GmbH