Medical marijuana and behind the wheel don’t mix

Article written by Delta Driving School

Many people are not aware that though you may be legally authorized to use medical marijuana, it is unlawful to drive while under the influence of the substance. No states presently have an allowance for medical marijuana patients to drive while under the influence of the drug. And, it doesn’t look like this law will change at any point in the future. It is believed that an impaired motorist is not a safe driver, even if the drug being used is medical marijuana.

To avoid being charged with a DUI, medical marijuana patients must understand the laws and restrictions that they are subject to. If you have been pulled over and charged with a DUI for the use of medical marijuana, know that to be convicted, the prosecutor must be able to show that you were under the influence of medical marijuana. There are two ways that a prosecutor can demonstrate that you were under the influence while driving:

You had a specific concentration of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in your system,

You were impaired by the marijuana

The DUI laws usually allow prosecutors to provide a DUI by either of these two methods. Penalties for a medical marijuana DUI will likely include fines, time spent in jail, probation, and a suspension or revocation of your license (depending on the number of offenses you have been convicted of). These sentences will become more severe for DUIs that involve prior convictions, reckless driving, prior traffic accidents and if this instance resulted in an accident, and/or having a minor in the vehicle with you at the time of the DUI offense.

Based on your particular circumstances, the judge assigned to your case will sentence you within an array of penalties specified by law.

This article was sent to us by Delta Driving School. They are a Driving School in La Crescenta & La Canada CA and neighboring cities. Make sure to contact them if you are looking for a driving school in that area.