Marijuana DUI

Marijuana laws and marijuana DUIs have changed drastically in recent years. Still, one thing that has not changed is how the law views driving under the impairment of marijuana. This is because marijuana is considered an intoxicant, and therefore it affects your ability to safely drive on the road. All intoxicants are treated similarly to alcohol, in most fundamental ways, with some slight differences in smaller, concentrated areas. You can learn more about marijuana DUIs in Glastonbury on this page.

DUIs from marijuana use in Connecticut may result in numerous penalties, including jail, license suspensions, and fines. Marijuana, however, is more difficult to detect than traditional DUIs that focus on alcohol. This is because there is no blood alcohol content (BAC) test for marijuana, as marijuana reacts differently in the body than alcohol. Also, the signs of intoxication are more varied and in ways, more nuanced than that of alcohol. This complicates a police officer’s ability to accurately state if someone is under the influence of marijuana.

Marijuana DUI Stops and Detection

Typically these cases arise when an officer suspects that the person is impaired, and the BAC test comes back negative for alcohol. But whereas any officer can administer a BAC test, only certain officers are able to detect marijuana use. In Connecticut, police that are able to assert their opinion that someone is under the influence of marijuana are called drug recognition experts, and they have passed a course called Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement. This training allows their evaluation to be used as evidence for license suspensions and marijuana DUI cases.

The process followed by drug detention experts is an evolving and developing system, but currently contains 12 steps. Those steps include interviewing the arresting officer, interviewing the driver of the vehicle, and checking physical signs such as pulse, pupils, etc. to try to determine impairment. There are also divided attention tests like there are when a person is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The drug recognition expert may also rely on tests such as urine and blood tests to determine if a person is under the influence of marijuana.

Getting Help

Keep in mind that the findings of a drug recognition expert are not always accurate. A good DUI lawyer can review the evaluation that you underwent and look for inconsistencies or issues with it. This could help defend you against a Glastonbury marijuana DUI.

Although marijuana is now legal for consumption, it is important to be cognizant of the fact that it is very much illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the effects of marijuana. The training and detention in this area of the law is increasing, and it is important to have legal counsel to defend you. For this, call Lady DUI today.