A person in the state of Arizona can be charged with a DUI if they've been suspected of driving under the influence of any drug, including marijuana. While the use cannabis is illegal in the Grand Canyon state, some Arizona DUI attorneys say that a person shouldn't necessarily face the harsh consequences of a DUI for driving the influence of only marijuana. This is because certain studies have showed that the drug does not adversely effect the ability to drive safely.
DUIAttorney.com reports that the federal government's Department of Transportation conducted research on the effects of both alcohol and marijuana, alone and in combination, in connection with driver-controlled behavior and performance. Researchers found that alcohol consistently caused impairment but that marijuana had only an occasional effect. The study shows that accidents went up with the use of alcohol, but not with marijuana or the combined use of alcohol and marijuana.
Another reason why DUI attorneys have consistently questioned driving under the influence of marijuana charges is because the THC in marijuana is quickly converted by the body into inert metabolites. The metabolites can stay in the body for days at a time, which can be detected from DUI blood tests. This is problematic because blood evidence often measures inactive substances in the body, and can be mistaken for false test results of impairment.
So perhaps the study qualifies for a new look at the state and national DUI laws. If marijuana doesn't impair driving ability, then why should offenders face such harsh punishments for the crime?
Related Resources:
- DUI: It's Not Only About Drinking and Driving (FindLaw Knowledebase)
- Drunk Driving Down; Drugged Driving Sky High (FindLaw Blotter)
- Looking For an Arizona DUI Attorney? (FindLaw)
ShareThis
