For decades, marijuana advocates have argued that pot has a significantly different effect on driving ability than alcohol. But if you take the word of one auto insurance company, stoned is actually the safest way to drive.

4AutoinsuranceQuote.org is making that case based on years’ worth of scientific studies, including some from the US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration that found motorists under the influence of marijuana tended to drive slower and have accident responsibility rates lower than those of drug-free drivers. But the company’s interpretation of the data doesn’t tell the whole story.

“There is evidence that cannabis causes changes in performance, and some of these changes may make you less likely to have an accident,” said Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “For instance, you’re less likely to change lanes, so you’re less likely to have accidents occurring… Continue reading →