Reactions of Older Adults Driving After Cannabis Exposure (ROAD ACE)

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Fast Facts

  • Adults 50+ with chronic pain and active FL Driver’s License
  • Must have FL MMJ card for at least one year OR no marijuana use in at least 10 years
  • Compensation provided
  • Conducted in Gainesville, FL

About the Research Study

The Reactions of Older Adults Driving After Cannabis Exposure (ROAD ACE) study investigates how adults 50 and older use medical marijuana and how it affects their driving performance. We want to find out more about how regular cannabis use impacts driving safety and habits in older adults. As more older people use medical marijuana, it's important to understand its long-term effects. The results will help us learn more about cannabis and its impact on older drivers.

Study Team

The ROAD ACE team is led by principal investigators Dr. Nicole Ennis (Florida State University) and Dr. Sherrilene Classen (University of Florida). 

Nicole Ennis, PhD, is an Associate Professor in and Vice Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine in the College of Medicine at Florida State University. She is Director of the iRACE (Intervention Research Advancing Care Excellence) Lab and Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Dr. Ennis’ areas of expertise are medical marijuana use and substance use (assessment and intervention) in adults 50 and older. Guided by a dissemination and implementation science framework, the goal of Dr. Ennis’ research is to improve patient care among adults 50 and older through evidence-based interventions. Her research aims to understand and intervene on factors, such as marijuana use, that influence health outcomes among patients. In addition, Dr. Ennis’ work examines and identifies implementation strategies that improve patient care in real-world settings. As co-principal investigator of the ROAD ACE project, Dr. Ennis is responsible for assessment of marijuana use and factors that influences marijuana use in adults 50 and older.is the Integrative Science for Healthy Aging Director and an assistant professor in the Florida State University College of Medicine. 

Sherrilene Classen, PhD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA is Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Florida. Dr. Classen is an internationally funded, prevention-oriented rehabilitation scientist who studies fitness-to-drive issues in at-risk drivers using clinical assessments, driving simulators, on-road assessments, in-vehicle technologies, and autonomous vehicles. Her scholarly work utilizes both a public health and a rehabilitation science approach to bring depth and breadth in understanding driving and mobility from multiple perspectives. As co-principal investigator of the ROAD ACE project, Dr. Classen developed the open-road course that has been tested in numerous populations of older and other medically-at risk adults.

What to Expect

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to participate in up to 3 study visits in Gainesville, FL. 

First visit: You will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and a urine test. This visit must be completed in person in Gainesville, FL.

Second visit: You will be asked to complete a series of vision tests and an on-road driving task with a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist or Therapist. This visit must be completed in person in Gainesville, FL.

Between the first two visits, you will be asked to complete brief assessments twice daily for 7 days. These surveys will be sent to you twice a day via text message.

Third visit (if selected): You will be asked to complete a semi-structured qualitative interview. This visit can be completed in person in Gainesville, FL or via Zoom from the comfort of your home.

   MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF...     NOT ELIGIBLE IF...
  • Are at least 50 years of age or older
  • Have chronic or severe non-malignant pain
  • Are a resident of Florida with an active and valid Florida driver's license 
  • Can communicate in English
  • Are willing and able to complete all study procedures (including at least 2 visits in Gainesville, FL, and access to a smartphone or table to complete brief daily assessments for 7 days between study visits).
  • Have had an active medical marijuana card issued by the state of Florida for at least 12 months OR have not used any marijuana in the past 10 years with no history of daily use. 
  • Have active psychosis 
  • Have lost or revoked driving privileges. 
  • Receive a score below 24 (out of 30) on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Compensation: Participants can earn up to $225 ($50 for each completed study session and up to $75 for completing the brief daily assessments between study sessions).

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is this study right for me? Click HERE to find out if you are eligible. 
  • What will happen if I participate in this study? See "What to Expect" section above. 
  • Will I be paid for participating in this study? See "Compensation" information above. 
  • Will it cost me anything to participate in this study? There is no cost for you to participate in this study.

Click here to find out if you qualify!

Questions? Contact the Study Team: If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the study, please call or text the ROAD ACE study team at 850-274-4032 (Bianca) or 850-274-5089 (Katie), or reach out via email to roadace@med.fsu.edu.