A recent study reveals that states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana also have fewer deaths related to traffic accidents. More research is needed to determine whether the revelation is causal or coincidence, but the study suggests that medical marijuana legalization could impact the incidence of drunk driving accidents and car crashes involving young drivers.
Only 15 states -- none in the South -- have legalized marijuana for medical use. In 2011, measures to legalize the drug failed in Alabama, Florida and North Carolina. However, Georgia legislators and voters could take a new look at the issue if it is proven that legalization could save lives.
Professors from Montana State University and the University of Colorado Denver conducted the study. Medical marijuana is legally available in both Montana and Colorado; the study involved data from Montana, Rhode Island and Vermont.
The researchers discovered a decrease of nine percent in traffic deaths in states that legalized marijuana. They believe that passage of medical marijuana legislation results in young people often opting to use marijuana rather than drink alcohol. The research also suggests that drivers who have used marijuana may be less impaired than drunk drivers.
Critics who are skeptical of the study note that there is no clear evidence that medical marijuana makes people more likely to smoke pot than to self-medicate with alcohol. Some age groups reported an increased use of marijuana, while others did not. Critics also note that researchers have not analyzed data in states where marijuana is illegal. The study is currently undergoing peer review.
Source; Huffington Post, "States that legalized medical marijuana saw fewer traffic deaths" Dec. 30, 2011
