Dutch cannabis users more likely to drive than elsewhere in Europe

Cannabis users in the Netherlands are more likely than those in other European countries to drive after smoking the drug, the Telegraaf reports on Tuesday.


The paper bases its claims on new research from the road safety research institute SWOV. The research shows that 25% more cannabis users in the Netherlands drive than in other EU countries.
In addition, Dutch amphetamine users are twice as likely to drive than in other countries. But Dutch motorists are less likely to drink and drive than their European counterparts.
The paper’s online version does not give exact figures.
The research involved drink and drug tests on 26,000 motorists. The SWOV estimates 80 road deaths in the Netherlands each year are caused by drink, drugs or a combination.
Saliva
Meanwhile, the Volkskrant reports that a saliva test meant to identify people who have been using marijuana can give false results.
Tests carried out at Groningen University showed that students who had sat in a cannabis cafes without smoking also tested positive for the drug.
The results are significant, the paper says, because parliament is currently processing legislation to pave the way for drugs tests on motorists.

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