The Drug DWI/DUI

The Charlotte Observer ran an article over the weekend about marijuana and possible effects on a person's ability to drive safely. There is a difference of opinion as to whether marijuana can impair a person's ability to drive safely. Scientific opinions greatly differ on how long marijuana stays in the system and whether it impairs a driver.
So much of dwi/dui research is based upon controlled studies. Most people have seen different controlled studies on investigative programs on TV: a group of people agree to drink alcohol and then drive a car in a supervised area. Very few of these studies have been done with drugs since they are illegal in most states.  However, with some states now allowing marijuana for medicinal uses, such controlled studies are being conducted.

Disagreement in the scientific community does not change the fact that the District Attorney will prosecute dwi's/dui's that involve drugs. Also, many people are shocked to learn that the District Attorney will pursue cases when there is an alcohol result less that .08. This is an interesting topic with more research coming. In the meantime, cases will continue through the court system.

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