Why This Driving Simulator Study Matters: Understanding Cannabis & Driving Safety
As medical cannabis use becomes more common across Canada, so do the questions around how it affects day-to-day activities — especially driving. Many patients wonder: Can I drive after taking my medication? How long should I wait? Will I feel impaired? Unfortunately, answers aren’t always clear — and the science is still evolving.
That’s why this study is so important.
At Greenleaf Medical Clinic, we’re proud to support research that helps fill the knowledge gap when it comes to cannabis and driving safety. In partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC), this study uses cutting-edge driving simulator technology to evaluate how medical cannabis may affect driving performance in real-world conditions. It’s one of the first of its kind in Canada and plays a crucial role in helping patients, physicians, and policymakers make more informed decisions.
Why Research on Cannabis & Driving Is So Urgently Needed
Unlike alcohol, cannabis affects each person differently. Factors like dose, THC concentration, method of use, tolerance level, and even genetics all influence how someone may respond to a given product. Some patients feel little to no impairment — especially with low-dose or CBD-dominant formulas — while others may experience slower reaction times or decreased focus.
Despite these variables, current laws often apply a one-size-fits-all approach to cannabis and driving. That means patients using legally prescribed medication may face legal risks, stigma, or confusion around when it’s safe to get behind the wheel — even when using cannabis responsibly. By participating in this study, you’re helping researchers better understand these nuances and work toward more science-informed guidance for medical cannabis patients.
What Makes This Study Unique?
This study doesn’t rely on theory or lab-only experiments. Instead, participants interact with a state-of-the-art driving simulator that mimics real-world driving scenarios — such as reaction times, decision-making, and focus — in a safe, controlled environment. The results help researchers determine whether, when, and how cannabis use might impact driving performance across different users and product types.
Participants receive instructions before, during, and after their simulated drive, and are carefully monitored to ensure comfort and safety throughout the process.
Who Should Consider Participating?
If you are a current medical cannabis patient with a valid prescription, this is a valuable opportunity to contribute to research that directly affects your community. Whether you’ve been using cannabis for pain, anxiety, sleep, or depression, your experience helps paint a clearer picture of how cannabinoids influence real-life functionality — beyond the clinical setting.
Participation is voluntary, confidential, and does not affect your care or prescription in any way. All study procedures are reviewed and approved by the appropriate research ethics boards to ensure full compliance with Canadian research standards.
Your Voice, Your Impact
At Greenleaf, we believe patients are the heart of progress. By participating in clinical research, you’re doing more than contributing data — you’re shaping the future of safe, responsible cannabis use in Canada. Whether you’re passionate about patient advocacy, interested in the science, or simply want to help reduce stigma, your involvement in this driving simulator study makes a real difference.
Have Questions?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or want to learn more before signing up, please reach out to UBC’s research team by emailing emed.driversim@ubc.ca