Driving, legalization, and DUI's

[EciRonTog]

Lately the subject of legalization has come up in my discussion with friends and family here in California. One point that is always brought up is driving. To what degree would driving under the influence of marijuana constitute a DUI and what methods would they use to test for that?

Now on a personal level, I suppose that I do drive while "under the influence". I don't specifically take a fat bong toke before I hop in the car or anything like that. It's more along the lines that I smoke all the time, from the moment I wake up to shortly before I go to sleep; and yes, I drive when I need to. I have not gone more than ~12 hours without smoking since 2006 or so, but not driving at all isn't a realistic option.

Assuming a regular smoker wanted to drive while not under the influence, what interval of time would be acceptable to wait between smoking last and operating a vehicle? 1 hour? 3 hours? 6 hours? Are we just supposed to make a judgment call on if we think we are high or not?

Now I'll say that when I first started smoking I would never have gotten behind the wheel. But everyone here knows there is a huge difference between a persons reaction to weed the first time they smoke compared to that of someone who smokes all day. At this point, and at my tolerance level, I'd probably be a more dangerous driver if I didn't smoke than I would if I simply continued my normal pattern. At the same time if they were to ever develop a road-side tester for THC I'd probably test considerably higher than that first time smoker.

What are your thoughts?

[Toastyroadie]

I think they shouldn't lump it in with alcohol. Further research needs to be done, I agree that someone who medicates alot will be affected less as they are used to the high.

It's a schedule 1 drug here in the states so nobody wants to do a study.:mad:

Some articles I've found.
Marijuana And Actual Driving Performance (http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/misc/driving/driving.htm)

DUI Marijuana: Does Marijuana Impair Driving? - Arizona DUI Laws Attorney Lawyer Phoenix DUI Drunk Driving Defense Extreme Penalties In Scottsdale (http://www.azduiatty.com/dui-marijuana-does-marijuana-impair-driving.htm)

Peace :smokin:

[TheRealBillC]

First let me say I'm a little sceptical that you would drive better while stoned than sober, but I have heard other people say that, and there is even some limited testing that shows that is possible - but don't try to sell that to non-smokers, because it goes against everything they think they know. There is a swab test that will show recent use, which is far more fair than a blood test or hair test. On the other hand, the hair and blood test have to be done at a hospital rather than on the road. Unfortunately, I don't think the law distinquishes a safe limit. If it shows up in a test it is presumed you are DUI. Somebody correct me if you think I am wrong for CA. There has been some discussion I've read about what would really constitute being under the influence to the extent that you might be impaired, but I haven't seen any agreement on an amount. I'd say your best bet is to wait 3 hours or at least until your red eyes and "tired" look goes away. Also, if you have one, don't show your Med Card, and don't have anything in the car to suggest use. That way, it might not even become an issue. I remember being stopped by a CHP once when I was stoned. He never mentioned it and neither did I. He was just happy to give me a ticket for an incorrect lane change, and I was happy to take it.

[EciRonTog]

First let me say I'm a little sceptical that you would drive better while stoned than sober

Well all I meant is that when I don't smoke I get easily agitated and I feel kind of hyper almost like I just drank a gallon of coffee. Not an ideal mindset for driving.

[chance942]

Anybody ever looked in their mouth,nose after using? Under a black light they will be green.

I don't know how long the color stays but here in NM the state police use that as a detection method.

In my experience grade doesn't leave you w/ red eyes like brick.

[LOC NAR on probation]

If your driving sucks then you get pulled over. That's all that matters.

We can not stop anything. Pills, pot, alcohol, redbull, energydrinks,coffee or mental or physical illness.

Let me tell ya I would rather be on the road with pot smoker than any thing else. Some one tell me how many accidents and deaths from script pills ? I bet it's up there with alcohol. Hell everyone is on some kind of PILLS. It's the norm.

So no matter what your doing let's not kill anyone on the road today.

Stay home have a bowl and save a friend.

[Toastyroadie]

This is stupid...:mad:

"The 2010 edition of the White House National Drug Control Strategy, released this week, calls on states to enact laws criminalizing motorists who drive with the residual presence of drug or inactive drug metabolite in their body."

White House 2010 National Drug Strategy Calls For Expansion Of Per Se 'Drugged' Driving Laws (http://www.enewspf.com/index.php/latest-news/analysis/16332-white-house-2010-national-drug-strategy-calls-for-expansion-of-per-se-drugged-driving-laws-)

If you're in one of the per se states, it's best not to drive at all, even if you're only a casual toker.:wtf: