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. The study concluded that accidents went up with the use of alcohol, but not with marijuana or the combined use of alcohol and marijuana. The government researchers found in their study that alcohol consistently caused impairment but that marijuana had only an occasional effect.
Another reason why Los Angeles 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 especially problematic for medical marijuana patients because blood evidence often measures inactive substances in the body, and can be mistaken for false test results of impairment. A person could essentially be charged with DUI, even if they haven't smoked marijuana for several days.
If you have questions about driving under the influence of drugs, it is best to speak with a Los Angeles DUI attorney.
Related Resources:
- Medical Marijuana Laws: Onus on States (FindLaw Blotter)
- Drunk Driving Down; Drugged Driving Sky High (FindLaw Blotter)
- Locate a Los Angeles DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
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