We all have come across “Don’t drive when drunk,” but what about cannabis? Imagine hopping into your car and driving to your home after a get-together with friends. Surely, no alcohol was involved there, but you had had some puffs of weed just to take the edge off.
Do you think driving under the influence of marijuana will be safe? Would it end well?
Well, if you have any such queries and are wondering about the correlation between cannabis and driving, you are not alone.
Here we will discuss the potential dangers of driving while “high,” a reality that some people realize when it’s already too late.
So, let’s dive in.
Why Hitting the Road while High is a Bad Idea?
In recent years, we have seen the booming popularity and wide acceptance of cannabis usage both recreationally and medically among the masses. But the discussion that everyone seems to ignore during this shift is the one related to cannabis and driving safety.
Now, as compared to alcohol, the impairments of marijuana are subtler, but that doesn’t mean that you can ignore them and hit the road while being “high”.
Remember that cannabis usage has been associated with impaired judgment, slower reaction time, altered perception of time and space, divided attention, impaired coordination, and decreased motor skills, all of which are opposite to the things required when you are behind the wheel.
It is worth mentioning that many users feel like they become more alert and focused after cannabis usage, and driving in such a condition is fine, but let us tell you that it is false and misleading.
Moreover, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports, marijuana has been found to be the second most common cause of car accidents after alcohol. Thus, not only is it illegal to drive while high, but it can also pose serious risks.
Our caring physicians in Naples are here to help you qualify for your medical marijuana card. Book your appointment now.
Cannabis and Driving Laws
Now that we have discussed why you shouldn’t drive while high, let’s take a quick sneak peek at the laws governing driving under the influence.
While the legal consequences of driving while high vary by state and country, one thing that remains consistent is that it is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis.
Many states have set the blood test as the gold standard to determine marijuana related DUI, as the blood test is seen to be the most accurate measure of THC-induced impairment.
The cut-off value used to criminalize a person for the amount of THC present in their blood while driving under the influence varies from state to state. This value serves as a legal limit, and exceeding this threshold can prove legal impairment.
Currently, 20 such states have established per se limit laws on marijuana influenced driving. Out of these 4 states have set the threshold limit at 5 nanograms per milliliter of THC, while the others have a zero tolerance policy.
It is worth mentioning that, like alcohol, cannabis related DUIs carry legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, community service, probation, and even jail time.
If you are planning on traveling or relocating to a different country, it would be best to learn about the countries where weed is legal to avoid any legal complications.
Even Medical Marijuana Doesn’t Mean Motor-Ready
No one can deny that cannabis usage provides many benefits for qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana in Florida, such as alleviating pain, anxiety, and helping improve sleep.
However, you should remember that even medical marijuana users aren’t above the law. They should never drive while high and strictly adhere to the driving rules.
Having a medical prescription doesn’t mean that you are exempt from the penalties associated with driving under the influence of marijuana. So, stay safe and consult a qualified weed doctor near me before trying a new weed strain, and learn how to manage your dosage responsibly.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
If you intend to drive, it is better to avoid any alcohol or cannabis in the first place. If you are going to consume cannabis, you should make sure not to get behind the wheel at any cost.
Here are some tips that you can follow to reach home safely:
- If you are going out with a group of friends, it is better to assign the duty of driving to a trusted person who won’t use cannabis or drink alcohol during the whole gathering.
- Be a good friend, take the keys away from your friend who is high, and make arrangements to get them home safely.
- It is better to book a rideshare service or taxi instead of driving yourself when you are high.
- Know your limits. Stay updated on the medical marijuana health effects and how cannabis can interact with your body and other medications.
Remember that it takes several hours for the effects of cannabis to wear off. Therefore, you should wait a few hours (6 or more) before getting behind the wheel. Moreover, if you are unsure whether or not you are still impaired, it is better not to drive at all.
If you want to use medical marijuana both legally and safely in Florida, it is smart first to consult a medical marijuana doctor in Naples, as your health depends on it.
Conclusion
Cannabis and driving are the two things that don’t go together well. Whether you have used cannabis for relaxation, recreation, or medical purposes, you should avoid getting behind the wheel at any cost.
The idea that “I am a bit high and can drive just fine” is completely false, misleading, and above all, highly dangerous.
Never drive under the influence of cannabis because not only can it cost you your life, but also the lives of others. Remember that the road isn’t the place to test your limits and take risks. So be smart, stay safe, and use marijuana responsibly!
FAQs
How long should I wait to drive after getting high?
It depends upon the THC content, method of consumption, and personal tolerance, but generally, if you have consumed less than 35 mg of THC, you need to wait at least 6 hours before driving. You need to wait longer than that if you have smoked more than 35 mg of THC. Moreover, if you are unsure whether or not you are still impaired, it is better not to drive at all.
Has anyone ever gotten a DUI while driving high on weed?
Yes, thousands of people get marijuana related DUIs every year, and most states use a blood test as the Gold standard to determine such DUIs. The penalties include fines, probation, community service, license suspension, and imprisonment.
How many deaths are caused by driving high?
Data regarding the exact numbers of fatal crashes due to cannabis isn’t available. However, the CDC and NHTSA have reported hundreds of fatal crashes due to cannabis induced impairment annually. Moreover, one of the studies has shown that the number of marijuana involved fatal crashes has increased from 9% in 2000 to about 21.5% in 2018.
