Traffic Deaths Rise on 4/20

A study conducted by University of British Columbia in Vancouver found that traffic fatalities increased on April 20, otherwise known as international Weed Day. The Los Angeles Times reported that the international holiday has 12 percent more fatal automobile accidents compared to the week before and after the holiday.

The University of Iowa also conducted a study in 2015 that found that alcohol impaired drivers more than it impaired those who consumed marijuana. Those who drank alcohol weaved more during a simulated driving test than those who vaporized marijuana for the simulation.

The study by the University of Iowa was part of a broader study analyzing the driving of people inhaling marijuana that was sponsored by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The news may be bad news for the alcohol, beer and wine industry if people feel a little safer driving after a toke than a cocktail. Molson Coors Brewing is already reportedly worried that the fast-growing marijuana industry will have a negative impact on beer sales. Molson Coors Brewing is the maker of Miller Lite, Blue Moon and Coors beer.

The company submitted their yearly financial report to the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this week and listed the marijuana industry as a potential business risk. The report says that people may start to prefer cannabis to beer which will result in decreased profits. Companies that own popular brands such as Sam Adams and Corona are investing in the marijuana industry, deciding to make money from it rather than being cut out by it.

credit:themaven.net