by Valerie Ramirez // Staff Writer
Kick-starting the new year, marijuana is now legal. Not only is it legal for medical reasons, but for recreational use across some states as well . Although it is now legal it does come with regulations for instance, smoking in your car can now cause you to receive a DUI.
A DUI is a consequence one receives when driving under the influence whether its with alcohol, marijuana, or medical prescriptions that impair your ability to be fully aware of your surroundings.
Due to the fact that it is difficult to perform a chemical test and there is no standard legal limit of THC that one can have in their system, it makes giving charges for impaired driving more difficult. Several states accept five nanograms as the legal limit that one can have in their system.
It took decades to reach our current national standards for drunk driving, so enforcing marijuana impairment can take several more years.
The consequences of conviction will be the same as a DUI involving alcohol. Some consequences may include a fine between $390-$1,000, informal probation for 3-5 years, or suspension of your driver’s license for 6 months.
“I feel like this law should’ve been passed a long time ago,” said Carson High senior Vincent Brock.
He also stated, “It will reduce the rate of people going to jail over weed.”
CHS senior Brittney Rodriguez expressed, “I believe that people who drive under the influence of any substance that causes impairments should be charged with DUIs because anything can happen.”
The best thing you can do is never drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Also, understanding our laws and how law enforcement determines marijuana impairment can play a role in your case if you are ever falsely accused of driving under the influence.
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