Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel.
- Understanding the intricacies of criminal defense law related to driving under the influence of marijuana (DUI) is crucial for anyone working through the legal system following an arrest.
- Many factors play a role in determining how long the impairing effects of THC take to wear off.
- A CDOT survey found that most Coloradans agree that driving high is dangerous and choose to never drive under the influence of cannabis.
- The subjective experience of cannabis impairment also varies wildly.
- Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to six plants for personal use.
Don’t let your dry-ish January lead to a cannabis DUI
When someone is high behind the wheel, the chances of a crash are doubled, and the chances of a DUI are even higher. The average cost of a DUI is $13,500 for alcohol and drugs. The events lead to heavy consumption of drugs and/or alcohol. So, law enforcement increase patrols, leading to an increase in driving under the influence citations and impaired-driving deaths. Refusing to submit to a blood test can result in immediate penalties, including an automatic license suspension. It’s important to understand that Colorado has an “express consent” law, which means that by driving on Colorado roads, you consent to chemical testing if suspected of impaired driving.
Wait at least eight hours after eating or drinking cannabis products containing less than 18 mg of THC before driving. If you’ve eaten more than 18 mg, wait longer.If you’re mixing cannabis with alcohol, you need to wait even longer than that. CDOT says when using cannabis and getting behind the wheel, your reaction time is delayed. Drivers usually cannot determine speed limit signs in the areas they are what happens when you mix cannabis and alcohol colorado department of transportation driving.
The officer may also perform field sobriety tests and request a blood test to measure THC levels. This is determined by the law enforcement officer during the Standardized Field Sobriety Test on the roadside. If cannabis or other drugs are suspected, this can also play a role in the charges.
Marijuana DUI’s in Colorado: What You Should Know
If you are a marijuana user who is considering getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in greater Denver while under the influence, think again. In 2018, 13.5 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for cannabis. But if you do plan to partake and head out on the town, plan a safe and sober ride home. Call a friend, book a rideshare or use public transit options to avoid driving impaired. The impairing effects of cannabis can last up to eight hours.
- The research even shows that users are more likely to drive (or take other risks) after using both substances than after consuming marijuana alone.
- Law enforcement focuses on active THC during impairment investigations, not residual levels.
- Refusal to submit to a blood test request can result in similar penalties as refusing a breathalyzer test, among them temporary loss of your driver’s license.
- More information about marijuana and driving can be found on the Colorado Department of Transportation’s website.
- Additionally, CDOT has partnered with Learn Brands, an online budtender education platform, to provide a free interactive cannabis-impaired driving safety course.
Marijuana & Colorado’s Open Container Law
The research even shows that users are more likely to drive (or take other risks) after using both substances than after consuming marijuana alone. As 4/20 approaches, prioritizing road safety amid cannabis celebrations is paramount. Utilizing available resources, planning alternative transportation, and understanding the nuances of impairment are vital steps.
The legal threshold is five nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood. The reason for this caveat in the law is because THC affects everyone differently. While five nanograms may no be enough to impair one individual’s ability to drive, as little as two nanograms may be enough to render another person completely unable to drive. The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado has brought about significant changes in various facets of daily life, including driving laws. While marijuana use is legal, it remains illegal to drive under its influence.
THC is the chemical in marijuana that produces a “high.” Use of THC —whether eaten, smoked, or vaped — causes poor muscle coordination and delayed reaction times. Everyone from marijuana use advocates to law enforcement professionals strongly discourage the use of marijuana while operating machinery, including an automobile. Unlike alcohol, cannabis isn’t metabolized in a uniform way or on a predictable timeline—whether you’re smoking or consuming edibles, your tolerance and other factors all play a role. The subjective experience of cannabis impairment also varies wildly.
Colorado’s Marijuana Laws
Combining cannabis and alcohol intensifies impairment effects, leading to heightened risks on the road. Research indicates increased likelihood of risky behavior when both substances are used together. Given the rising trend of impairment-related fatalities, caution is paramount. In the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization, the issue of driving under the influence remains a critical concern.
Legal Limits and Testing
Beyond the legal penalties, a DUI or DWAI conviction can have significant impacts on other areas of your life. You may face higher premiums or even difficulty obtaining coverage altogether. This comprehensive guide from our DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Lori J. Crystal, LLC explores the legal framework, defenses, and implications of driving stoned in Colorado. Read “Want to know more about cannabis and driving? Ask your budtender” to learn more.
Among the leading causes of those fatal crashes is driving under the influence, according to Colorado State Patrol. Highway 287 from Colorado Highway 14 north of Fort Collins to the Wyoming state line is one of the more dangerous sections of highways in Colorado, earning it the name “Highway of Death” due to its number of fatalities. 4/20 is marked with an assortment of cannabis-inspired popular events such as 420 on the Rocks and The Mile High 420 Festival.
Driving under the influence is never safe, no matter the impairing substance. Colorado DUI law states it is illegal to drive if you are impaired to any degree by cannabis. Colorado law enforcement officers are specially trained to detect cannabis impairment. Speaking of mixing cannabis and alcohol, combining them enhances the impairing effects of both. It’s a combination that has created some serious problems on Colorado roadways. Research shows that users are more likely to drive or take other risks after using both substances than after consuming cannabis alone.
