Do you know why marijuana has been tough to legislate when it comes to driving under the influence? The issue is that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, binds to fat cells and can stay in the blood stream for up to 30 days. So how does a police officer know that the marijuana you test positive for wasn’t from a party two weeks ago?
With the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes by both Colorado and Washington in last year’s elections, the issue is ever-more important. Washington’s law included a measure that decreed a driver with .05 nanograms of THC in his blood would be deemed legally under the influence. Colorado has not been able to get both parties to agree to pass this legislation. In fact, back in April they threw a bill out that would have used the .05 nanograms for its legal mark as well.
As a counselor for both in-class and online drug classes I can tell you this is a hot topic among my students. The vast majority of my students who use marijuana feel they are perfectly capable of operating a car. Can you believe that more than 90% think marijuana does not decrease their ability to drive?
How do you feel about this topic? Are you concerned about those around you being high on marijuana?