Pubdate: Thu, 28 May 2015
Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/opinion/submit-letters/
Website: http://www.yumasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258

ARIZONA COURT TO REVIEW RULING ON MARIJUANA, DUI IMMUNITY

PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona Supreme Court will review a lower court's 
ruling that said drivers who have medical marijuana cards can still 
be prosecuted under laws against driving under the influence while 
having marijuana in their system.

The justices agreed without comment Tuesday to review a state Court 
of Appeals ruling issued last November. Two defendants who had 
medical marijuana cards allowing them to legally smoke pot had 
pointed to a medical marijuana law provision that provides a partial 
legal shield for pot usage prescribed by a physician.

However, a three-judge Court of Appeals panel said the medical 
marijuana law doesn't provide immunity for defendants charged with 
driving while having marijuana in their systems.

The ruling also said physicians don't prescribe medical marijuana. 
Instead, they only certify a patient's medical eligibility.
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