Cannabis is a relaxant and may reduce a person's ability to react in pressurised situations on the road. Cannabis also affects a driver's concentration and can make a person unsteady or give them blurred vision.

Effects on driving - What your doctor says

Smoking or eating cannabis has the following effects on your driving skills and your ability to drive safely:

// slower reaction times and sleepiness
// impaired driving
// distorted perception, poor concentration and forgetfulness

The most intense effects last at least 2 - 4 hours, but if eaten the effects can last longer. Combining cannabis with even a small amount of alcohol can magnify the negative effects and is particularly dangerous. Combining cannabis with other drugs (medicinal and/or illegal) can have unpredictable negative effects on the way you function and your ability to drive safely.

The Law - What the law says

If convicted for driving while unfit through drugs, drivers face:

// a minimum one year driving ban
// a fine up to £5000
// up to six months in prison

A 10 year prison sentence would apply if convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.