Assessing driving performance in older adults using medical marijuana
An Open Road Driving Performance Task to Examine Long-term Medical Marijuana Use and Prescription Opioid Positivity in Adults 50 and Older
This study is testing how using medical marijuana affects driving skills in adults aged 50 and older who have chronic pain, comparing those who use it with those who haven't used it in a long time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06995937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study examines the impact of medical marijuana use on driving performance among adults aged 50 and older who experience chronic or severe non-malignant pain. It aims to systematically assess how long-term medical marijuana use and the combined effect of prescription opioids influence driving behavior in this demographic. The study will include participants with an active medical marijuana card and those who have not used marijuana in the past decade, allowing for a comparative analysis of driving performance. The research is conducted in Florida, focusing on the self-regulation of medication use and driving among older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 and older with chronic or severe non-malignant pain who have an active medical marijuana card and a valid Florida driver's license.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis or those who have lost their driving privileges will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the safety of driving for older adults using medical marijuana, potentially influencing guidelines and policies.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on this specific demographic and context, studies on medical marijuana and driving have shown mixed results, indicating a need for further investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50 and older who endorse chronic or severe non-malignant pain * Resident of Florida with an active and valid Florida Drivers License * Can communicate in English * Willing and able to complete study procedures * Have active medical marijuana card for \>12 months issued by the state of Florida (MMG group) OR are race-sex match who has not used marijuana in the past 10 years with no history of daily use (NMG group) Exclusion Criteria: * Have active psychosis * Have lost or revoked driving privileges * Score of below the cut 24 (out of 30) on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * Are a control participant who urine test positive for marijuana use and/or reports any marijuana use in past 10 years
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida and 1 other locations
- University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Florida State University, Center for Translational Behavioral Science — Tallahassee, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicole Ennis, PhD
- Email: nennis@fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-644-2334
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.