CAA Manitoba is asking drivers to drive responsibly, or, more to the point, sober.

The organization said it has received “alarming” data with respect to cannabis edibles from a survey it conducted of 500 Manitoba drivers following legalization. CAA surveyed 500 Manitoba drivers between the ages of 19 and 75 from June 22 to July 5, 2023.

“The data shows us that there is a significant number of impaired drivers under the influence of edible cannabis, which poses a great risk to road safety,” said Ewald Friesen, community and government relations manager at CAA Manitoba, in a news release. “Edibles pose a greater risk for impairment and road safety since they can often take up to two hours for the effects to kick in.”

The survey suggests 61 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers in Manitoba wait less than three hours before driving.

CAA says that due to the prolonged absorption of edibles, there’s a potential for drivers to start operating a vehicle before they even realize they are beginning to feel the effects of cannabis.

The survey also suggests 89 per cent of Manitoba drivers believe driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road safety, while 67 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers feel confident in their ability to drive.

“While some believe that cannabis doesn’t impair their driving ability, it has been proven to affect co-ordination, reaction time, decision-making and the ability to pay attention. We would like to see more public education and awareness on the risks of cannabis-impaired driving,” said Friesen in the release.

Other results from the survey suggest:

• 64 per cent believe cannabis-impaired driving is the most important public education topic related to cannabis – more important than education on health risks (63 per cent) and health risks for youth under age 25 (59 per cent)
• 21 per cent are not aware of the penalties drivers face for these offences
• 27 per cent of impaired drivers have driven after consuming an edible

“CAA is encouraging motorists to get informed, know the rules, and make the right choices – don’t get behind the wheel when impaired,” the news release says. “Instead, make alternate arrangements, such as utilizing rideshare services, to ensure a safe journey home.”