Manitobans confident they can drive high: CAA survey

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This article was published 19/04/2025 (196 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new survey from CAA Manitoba shows nearly one in five drivers admitted to getting behind the wheel within three hours of using cannabis.

Despite increased public awareness of the risks, the survey — conducted among 504 Manitoba drivers aged 19 and older — found half of those who recently drove high did so shortly after consuming cannabis, with more than a third (36 per cent) admitting they still felt the effects while driving.

Confidence behind the wheel remains high, even when drivers are, too. Nearly 80 per cent of those who reported driving under the influence said they felt confident in their ability to drive while high. Still, 71 per cent said they feared being caught.

“Manitobans who decide to drive after consuming cannabis often underestimate the risks associated with this action,” said Ewald Friesen, manager of government relations at CAA Manitoba.

“People still seem to believe that they have no alternative but to drive home or that the drive is short enough that it doesn’t matter. We are here to remind Manitobans that while cannabis use is legal and can be safely consumed, you should never do it before driving.”

While 93 per cent of respondents agreed that driving high poses a serious threat to road safety, many viewed it as less dangerous than alcohol or prescription opioids.

Earlier this month, Winnipeg police reported that nearly half of drivers screened for drugs during a three-month enforcement campaign tested positive for cannabis.

“Unfortunately, the enforcement component is not the end-all-be-all, there has to be that continued awareness campaign,” Patrol Sgt. Stephane Fontaine said last week during a news conference at police headquarters.

Fontaine said officers pulled over 302 vehicles and administered 207 drug-screening tests — 97 of which came back positive.

Police issued administrative sanctions, including immediate driver’s licence suspensions to those who failed the tests, while one person was charged criminally for refusing a test.

CAA said Thursday that penalties for driving high can be serious, including a 24-hour licence suspension, three-day vehicle impoundment, a $400 fine, mandatory impaired driver assessment, other administrative penalties and possible criminal charges.

CAA’s survey found that while smoking remains the primary mode for cannabis use, there’s a growing trend of people driving after consuming edibles.

Solid edibles (67 per cent) and joints (61 per cent) are the most used formats, and more than half of cannabis users prefer edibles over any other format.

“Unlike other forms of cannabis, edibles often have delayed and unpredictable effects, which can significantly impair judgment and reaction times,” Friesen said. “It is crucial for individuals to recognize these differences and prioritize safety, not only for themselves but for everyone sharing the road.”

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca