AAA Adds Cannabis Education to Drivers Ed in Massachusetts

By: Marie Scarci | December 13, 2022

Massachusetts is blazing a trail in the nation by becoming the first state to add lessons about cannabis impairment while driving into its driver’s education programs.

The new regulation, announced recently by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, seeks to educate young drivers and promote safe practices behind the wheel when using marijuana recreationally.

AAA has unveiled its new curriculum, "Shifting Gears: the Blunt Truth about Marijuana and Driving," which will be taught to an estimated 50,000 young drivers across 700 driving schools in the state each year. The program promises to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how marijuana affects their ability behind the wheel.

Massachusetts is taking extra measures to ensure the safety of young drivers. All first-timers younger than 18 must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction before receiving an unrestricted license!

MassDOT officials have announced an update to the current driver education module, with new research-based information about cannabis and its effects on driving. The module will cover how THC - the active compound in marijuana - can impair cognition, vision, reaction time, and perception of time and distance while behind the wheel.

On Friday, MassDOT is teaming up with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, AAA, and Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to celebrate a groundbreaking initiative.