Abstract
Kava is a culturally significant Pacific drink with similar effects to Benzodiazepine. Traditionally influenced kava use sessions last, on average, six hours in which attendees consume 3.6 litres each of the beverage kava, with many then driving home. Research participants’ (n=20) neurological functioning was tested during, and immediately following, kava consumption and compared against control (n=19). Kava at traditional use volumes is not shown to impact the participants focus, accuracy, time perception, plasticity or fatigue, although has a significant negative impact on temporal order judgement (TOJ). TOJ is associated with Executive Function “including decision making, behavioural control, and information processing” and sequencing. This poster presentation summarises the study findings which are both unique and new and suggests kava at traditionally consumed volumes compromises driver safety, impairment that manifests vastly different to alcohol, cannabis and hallucinogens. The study was followed up with a culture-friendly kava drink-driving awareness campaign.
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