‘Journal Tribune’ features article by UNE’s Christian Teter
In conjunction with National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, Christian Teter, Pharm.D., BCPP, associate professor of Psychopharmacology, wrote a piece for the Journal Tribune.
Teter discussed the effects that different drugs have on driving. Central nervous system stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines, may lead to aggressive driving, while marijuana can increase lane weaving, result in poor reaction time and alter one’s attention.
He stated that there is much to be learned about the effects of marijuana and driving, saying “we clearly need to determine blood levels associated with impaired driving. At the least, it would be beneficial to identify a substance specific ‘cut-off’ level, above which could be considered unsafe for driving.”
He also noted the need for increased substance abuse screening and assessment education to help determine which driver impairments are associated with each substance. In the case of marijuana, the situation is “more complex from the start because marijuana dosages are not standardized and because marijuana has not undergone rigorous efficacy and safety trials that are required of FDA-approved medications.”
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