There are negative consequences for using marijuana and driving. Cannabis users may experience euphoria, stillness, elevated sensory perception particularly regarding color and sound, an increased appetite, and a distorted sense of time (Cox, 2017). Some consequences associated with short term use may be delayed cognitive function, making problem solving and critical thinking challenging, slowed motor functions, issues related with memory, delusions, delirium and psychosis (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018). For long-term cannabis users there are potentials for heart disease associated with smoking cannabis and impaired cognitive functions related to memory (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018). Additionally, some research has linked chronic cannabis use to elevated risk of strokes and heart failure, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts (Cox, 2017). Remember, though this is controversial, medicinal use of marijuana is helpful for certain diseases (WebMD, 2019).
Driving under the influence of any narcotic can land you a DUI. If you are pulled over while under the influence of marijuana, the police will inspect you and your vehicle. If they believe you are impaired, they can run a breathalyzer and a chemical test. The breathalyzer test cannot detect marijuana, but the chemical test will be able to (Law Office of James Novak, 2019). If narcotics are detected, you will be charged with a DUI. First time offenders can be punished with a minimum of 1 to 10 days of jail time, license suspension for 90 days, fines and fees and community service (Law Office of James Novak, 2019). Be warned: marijuana can linger in the system for many days (Buddy T, 2018). Even if you are not under the influence of marijuana you can still get a DUI for having it in your system. Remember not to drive while using any type of marijuana or cannabis, including medicinal use.
————————————————————————————————
References
Buddy, T. (November 13, 2018) How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-marijuana-stay-in-the-system-67791
Cox, L. (2017, June 6). Marijuana: Effects of Weed on Brain and Body. Retrieved from Live Science: https://www.livescience.com/24558-marijuana-effects.html
Law Office of James Novak (2019) Marijuana DUI Laws
https://www.arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com/marijuana-dui-laws.html
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June). Marijuana. Retrieved from NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June). Marijuana. Retrieved from drugabuse.gov: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
WebMD (2019) Medical Marijuana FAQ
Arizona DUI Services 