# Survey Reveals Misconceptions About Cannabis and Driving in Virginia > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/virginia-cannabis-impaired-driving-risks/ > **Published:** 2026-04-18T00:06:26-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:19:08-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore Virginia cannabis impaired driving risks and the need for patient safety counseling as legalization expands. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic Impaired DrivingPatient SafetyThcPublic HealthClinical Education Why This Matters This survey data reveals a dangerous public health misconception that directly impacts patient safety counseling and clinical practice. As [cannabis legalization](https://cedclinic.com/the-forgotten-history-of-hemp-in-america/) expands, clinicians must address impaired driving risks more systematically in patient consultations. Clinical Summary A Virginia state survey found that nearly one-third of respondents believe cannabis use improves their driving ability, reflecting a widespread misunderstanding of cannabis’s psychoactive effects. Cannabis impairs [cognitive function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/), reaction time, and motor coordination through CB1 receptor activation in brain regions critical for driving performance. This perception gap represents a significant public safety concern as Virginia’s legal cannabis market develops, highlighting the need for evidence-based education about impairment risks. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This data shows we’ve failed to educate patients about a fundamental safety issue. I tell every cannabis patient that THC impairs driving ability regardless of how they feel — their perception of improvement is exactly why they shouldn’t be behind the wheel.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should routinely discuss driving safety with all cannabis patients, emphasizing that subjective feelings of alertness or confidence do not correlate with actual driving competency. Patient education should address the difference between [therapeutic benefits](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) for specific conditions and [cognitive impairment](https://cedclinic.com/acute-effects-partial-cb1-receptor-agonists-cognition/) that affects complex tasks like driving. Consider documenting these safety discussions for liability protection and [patient care](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/) continuity. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20A%20state%20survey%20found%20nearly%20a%20third%20of%20Virginians%20think%20using%20cannabis%20makes%20the...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//www.whro.org/health/2026-04-17/a-state-survey-found-nearly-a-third-of-virginians-think-using-cannabis-makes-them-better-drivers-raising-safety-worries-as-legal-market-looms)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//www.whro.org/health/2026-04-17/a-state-survey-found-nearly-a-third-of-virginians-think-using-cannabis-makes-them-better-drivers-raising-safety-worries-as-legal-market-looms)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20A%20state%20survey%20found%20nearly%20a%20third%20of%20Virginians%20think%20using%20cannabis%20makes%20the...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//www.whro.org/health/2026-04-17/a-state-survey-found-nearly-a-third-of-virginians-think-using-cannabis-makes-them-better-drivers-raising-safety-worries-as-legal-market-looms)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://www.whro.org/health/2026-04-17/a-state-survey-found-nearly-a-third-of-virginians-think-using-cannabis-makes-them-better-drivers-raising-safety-worries-as-legal-market-looms](https://www.whro.org/health/2026-04-17/a-state-survey-found-nearly-a-third-of-virginians-think-using-cannabis-makes-them-better-drivers-raising-safety-worries-as-legal-market-looms) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the clinical relevance rating of this cannabis-related finding?](#What_is_the_clinical_relevance_rating_of_this_cannabis-related_finding) - [What are the main safety concerns related to cannabis and impaired driving?](#What_are_the_main_safety_concerns_related_to_cannabis_and_impaired_driving) - [How does THC impact patient safety beyond driving concerns?](#How_does_THC_impact_patient_safety_beyond_driving_concerns) - [What public health implications are associated with cannabis use?](#What_public_health_implications_are_associated_with_cannabis_use) - [Why should healthcare providers monitor developments in cannabis-related impairment research?](#Why_should_healthcare_providers_monitor_developments_in_cannabis-related_impairment_research) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the clinical relevance rating of this cannabis-related finding? This article has been assigned CED Clinical Relevance #70, indicating “Notable Clinical Interest.” This rating suggests emerging findings or policy developments that are worth monitoring closely by healthcare professionals. #### What are the main safety concerns related to cannabis and impaired driving? The article focuses on impaired driving as a key patient safety issue related to cannabis use. THC can significantly affect motor skills, reaction time, and judgment, creating serious risks for both the user and other road users. #### How does THC impact patient safety beyond driving concerns? THC affects [cognitive function](https://cedclinic.com/reverse-cholesterol-transport-function-cannabis-users/), coordination, and decision-making abilities, which can impact patient safety in various settings. Healthcare providers need to consider these effects when treating patients who use cannabis medicinally or recreationally. #### What public health implications are associated with cannabis use? Cannabis use presents broader public health challenges including impaired driving incidents, workplace safety concerns, and the need for appropriate education and regulation. These issues require coordinated public health responses and policy development. #### Why should healthcare providers monitor developments in cannabis-related impairment research? As [cannabis legalization](https://cedclinic.com/the-forgotten-history-of-hemp-in-america/) expands, healthcare providers need current information about impairment effects to properly counsel patients and assess safety risks. Understanding THC’s impact on driving and other activities is crucial for responsible [patient care](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/) and public safety. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Virginia agency launches campaign against driving after using cannabis – WVTF](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-impaired-driving-risks-safety-campaign-virginia/) Learn about Virginia's public health campaign targeting cannabis-impaired driving to improve road safety. [Read Campaign Details](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-impaired-driving-risks-safety-campaign-virginia/) [Cannabis and Driving? Studies Reveal Big Risks](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-impaired-driving-risks/) Explore scientific studies highlighting the risks of driving under the influence of cannabis. [Explore Research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-impaired-driving-risks/) [Does cannabis legalization actually lead to better health? – The Afternoon Story](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-legalization-push-health-outcomes/) Analyze the broader health impacts of cannabis legalization including public safety considerations. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-legalization-push-health-outcomes/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).