Nearly half of the drivers who were killed in THC accidents were in their blood

• In a review of 246 available drivers, 41.9 % positive THC was tested in their blood, with an average level of 30.7 ng/ml – which much exceeds most of the limits of the country’s weakness.
• The positive average ThC remained consistent for six years and was not affected by the state’s explanation of the entertainment hemp during the study period.
• The authors argue that correspondence on the risk of hemp and driving should be stronger.

The results of the new study show that more than 40 % of drivers who died in auto collisions have proven a positive test for the Delta-9-Testroocanabinol (THC) in their system, with average blood levels much exceeding those who are considered weak. The authors said that the research highlights the important and continuous public health risks that have not changed through the legalization of entertainment.

The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Conference 2025 in Chicago, 4-7 October.

The researchers analyzed the paths of the pathologist from Montgomery County in Ohio from January 2019 to September 2024, focusing on 246 available drivers tested for THC after a fatal crash. When performing the autopsy, drug examination is usually part of the operation. The study period included the state’s legalization of entertainment hemp in 2023.

“I was surprised to see this level,” said the lead author Akpofure P. Ekeh, MBBS, FACS, Professor of Surgery at Wright State University in Dayton. Ohio. “The average level of 30.7 ng/m general means that these people should consume marijuana at some point near driving. This is not related to the remaining use; it is about the last consumption.”

The results of the main study

• High spread: 103 drivers (41.9 %) have been tested positively for THC, with annual prices ranging from 25.7 % to 48.9 %.
• There is no effect of legalization: The rate of drivers who set up positive for TC changed significantly before or after legalization (42.1 % compared to 45.2 %), indicating that the legal situation did not affect the behavior of those who chose driving after use.
• Consistent over time: The high rate of THC showed any significant change during the study period for six years.

The study indicates that THC levels in the blood are usually drawn by the pathologist within hours of death, providing a precise shot of the driver’s condition at the time of the accident. Most of the states that set legal limits to lead leadership from 2 to 5 ng per milligram (ng/ml) – average level of this study (30.7 ng/ml) has exceeded.

Dr. Eh pointed out that “the messages during the past few years have been merely pushing for entertainment legalization.” “The problem is that from the point of view of the public health, there was not enough focus on some negative aspects and risks that could occur. People must treat marijuana smoking like them to treat alcohol: do not smoke and pay.”

Participated authors are Louis Ngaba, Bachelor. Clara Moussine Phillips, Bachelor. Ann Kardosi, Bachelor’s degree, MPH.

quote: Ekeh A, and others. Hemp spread in drivers participating in the death of cars disruption over the period of 6 years, Scientific Forum, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Conference 2025.

Note: This research was presented as a summary in the Scientific Forum of Clinical Congress. Research summaries submitted at the Scientific Forum for Clinical Congress ACS are reviewed and chosen by a program committee, but the peer has not yet been reviewed.