Monday, December 15, 2014

NHTSA: No Evidence to Support Low Per Se Cannabis DUI Levels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a report that states that low cannabis/THC levels constituting "per se" DUI such as the one set in Colorado are NOT supported by sound scientific evidence.  When the current Colorado THC per se level of 5 ng was set following the legalization of recreation marijuana use two years ago, the General Assembly was provided with so-called scientific and medical testimony/evidence stating that most adults were significantly impaired at the 5 ng level.  The federal agency that oversees highway safety in the United States has found that such claims are NOT supported by sound science.  A story on this report may be found at http://www.enewspf.com/opinion/analysis/57576-nhtsa-report-evidence-fails-to-support-proposed-dui-impairment-levels-for-cannabis.html.

It has been well-known for many years that THC, the "active" chemical in marijuana, affects individuals variously without any real, identifiable consistency in its effects.  This NHTSA report essentially re-affirms that collective knowledge.  No drug or substance affects all people in the manner or to the same degree.  This is why it is essential to obtain experienced legal counsel whenever charged with an impaired driving offense.

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