Tough to set marijuana DUI limits

In Maryland, the legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08 BAC.  However, when it comes to marijuana, new research shows it may be impossible to set marijuana DUI limits.

Setting marijuana DUI limits

Unlike alcohol, there’s no breathalyzer for marijuana.  Additionally, blood tests may be useless when it comes to determining whether or not someone is under the influence of marijuana.

In Washington, a study found that 17 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes two years after marijuana was legalized had marijuana in their system.

20 states have approved laws on marijuana use by drivers. A dozen of them have made any use of the drug by those behind the wheel illegal. Six others have set a legal limit similar to the .08 alcohol level, with any driver testing above it subject to a DUI conviction.

No threshold for marijuana DUI limits

A report by researchers at the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said there is no threshold that indicates when a marijuana smoker may be too impaired to drive.

The AAA Foundation recommends doing away with setting legal limits for THC. Instead, it says each police department should put a cadre of officers through 72 hours of training, followed by field testing, to be certified as drug recognition experts (DRE).

If an officer suspected marijuana use, a DRE could be called in to conduct an hour-long series of tests, and if they provide confirmation, a blood test would follow.

Schedule a Free Carroll County DUI Attorney Consultation

Carroll County DUI Attorney Ross W. Albers offers a free consultation to explain and review your Carroll County DUI arrest. During your free consultation, Albers & Associates will review the facts, charges, MVA consequences and possible criminal penalties of your Carroll County DUI case.

Contact Albers & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.