Photo: The Canadian Press

McGill University researchers have found that driving under the influence of cannabis remains dangerous for up to five hours after use.

In research published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study found subjects who consumed cannabis were at a greater risk of crashing a vehicle.

The peer-reviewed study used a driving simulator to assess the effects of smoking cannabis on recreational users aged 18 to 24. It found impairment from a regular dose was significant when people were confronted with complex driving tasks.

A majority of the participants reported they did not consider themselves to be safe to drive five hours after using the drug.

The results are published as Canada prepares for the legalization of recreational cannabis use Wednesday.

The study was conducted with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and funded by the Canadian Automobile Association.