The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is concerned about the potential for an increase in cannabis-impaired drivers with the legalization of edibles on Thursday.
A recent CAA study found that 12 per cent of people said they would try edibles, even though they don't smoke.
Assistant VP of Government and Community Relations Teresa Di Felice said your depth perception and reaction time is impacted by any type of cannabis.
"Edible cannabis that's becoming legal this month, and is set to hit the stores in terms of the different products that you consume, may impact your body in a different way," said Di Felice. "Consuming cannabis through food can produce a delayed response. They can take one, two, or even three hours to fully kick in."
The study found that 1.2 million Ontario drivers have driven high after consuming cannabis, and 72 per cent of those waited three hours or less to drive.
CAA said about 27 per cent felt at least somewhat high when they got behind the wheel.
The research also shows that over half of Ontario drivers who use cannabis are "poly-users," meaning they typically pair cannabis with another substance like alcohol.
The statistically representative study, commissioned by CAA and conducted by Dig Insights in late June 2019, surveyed 1,510 Ontarians between the ages of 19 and 70 who have a valid driver's license.
