Pubdate: Fri, 02 Sep 2016
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Linda Chezem
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n599/a12.html

BASE CANNABIS DUI LAWS ON SCIENCE

Re "Pot critics focus on driving while stoned" (Page 7A, Aug. 31): 
Legalizing marijuana threatens highway safety while increasing court 
congestion and costs, and state judicial systems are already 
overwhelmed by drug-related casework.

The evidentiary issues are serious. Unlike with alcohol, a 
scientifically based measure for THC impairment does not exist. THC 
is fat-soluble, so blood limits could remain above the legal limit 
for days after the user last legally smoked pot. The user would not 
appear stoned, but legally could still be considered impaired and 
presumed guilty. Devastating and long-lasting implications could 
result in cases such as auto accidents in which someone dies.

Clearly, more scientific research is needed in order for DUI laws to 
reflect actual impairment rather than best guesses. States must 
consider the increased costs and implications of overburdening law 
enforcement and the judicial system before acting too soon to 
legalize marijuana.

Judge Linda Chezem (ret.), Mooresville, Ind.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom