Posts Tagged ‘Nanograms’
Colorado Lawmakers Vote for a Bill to Standardize DUI Limit of Marijuana Consumption
February 28th, 2012
Posted in DUI News
DENVER – Colorado lawmakers have voted on a bill to set a standard when determining if drivers are impaired when operating vehicles under the influence of marijuana.
A Senate committee voted Monday to endorse a proposal for determining if a driver is intoxicated with marijuana. According to the bill, the driver would be considered impaired if they test positive for 5 nanograms or more of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in the drug, per milliliter of blood.
There have been disagreements over whether a THC test is a fair determinant of whether a driver is impaired, but the Senate panel voted for it and the measure will now move to the full chamber.
“The privilege of smoking marijuana should stop at the vehicle door,” said the bill’s sponsor, Republican Sen. Steve King, of Grand Junction.
Those against the bill argue that since THC is stored in the body’s fat, levels can build up over a period of time, causing skewed results. However, those pushing for the bill argue that the level of THC is significant enough to judge impairment.
Different states have varying laws over the legal limit for marijuana consumption. Some allow marijuana use for medical purposes, some have a set limit of THC allowable, while some have a zero-tolerance policy.
The bill still has to clear the full Senate before heading to the Republican House. If it passes, the bill would end up costing over half a million dollars to implement next year.
Driving under the influence can lead to terrible consequences for the motorist. Not only can a driver convicted of DUI suffer legal penalties like losing their license or going to jail, but it can also cause the motorist to lose their job or have their civil rights affected. If you have been arrested for DUI, speak to a DUI lawyer right away to contest your charges. With a leading paralegal on your side, you can rest assured your charges will either be significantly diminished or dropped altogether.
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Proposed marijuana DUI law moves forward in Colorado House
April 6th, 2011
Posted in DUI News
DENVER, Colorado – A proposed bill to include marijuana in DUI charges for the state have already advanced in the Colorado House as of Tuesday.
Lawmakers in Colorado are now debating over what to set the legal blood-content at for marijuana use.
House Bill 1261 would allow drivers to be charged with DUI if they test positive for a THC level of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter in their blood. This level has been argued by medical marijuana users, however, it is the most liberal marijuana statue in the country.
The legislation was proposed after marijuana usage in Colorado has increased drastically and lawmakers are afraid of people driving while intoxicated on the drug.
While some authorities argue that having a marijuana restriction limit is akin to having one for alcohol use, medical marijuana users argue that some people develop a tolerance that allows them to drive safely under higher levels of THC.
Rep. Claire Levy, A democrat who is co-sponsoring the bill, tried to appease concerns by suggesting the limit be raised to 8 nanograms. However, her amendment drew criticism from the other co-sponsor of the bill, Republican Rep. Mark Waller. He argues that 5 nanograms is more than fair, especially after experts had suggested that 2 nanograms was also reasonable.
Many states that have marijuana limits imposed on drivers, such as Nevada and Ohio, set the limit at 2 nanograms. Many other states have a zero-tolerance policy altogether, such as Arizona and Georgia.
Those who support the bill argue that it is not an attack toward medical marijuana users and explain that people will only be stopped by police if they are exhibiting signs of intoxication while driving. After being pulled over, drivers will be asked to submit a blood test if the officer believes them to be under the influence of marijuana.
A DUI is a serious charge that can have lifelong consequences for a driver if they are found guilty. Without a top DUI lawyer defending your case, you may get stuck with paying expensive fines and be punished with various penalties which include losing your driver’s license, having to install an interlock ignition device and even being sent to jail. Working with a DUI attorney drastically lowers your chances of being penalized.
A DUI lawyer investigates the incident to get to the truth of what really happened. If they find any evidence to suggest an unfair charge, you can rest assured that your case will be dismissed. Your paralegal will always be there for you to help you with any legal questions or to simply offer you advice and support. Turn to a skilled DUI attorney today for help in fighting your infraction.
