Title:
Federal court issues good ruling on marijuana and driving
Message:
Individuals in Idaho who have marijuana in their systems, but are not
impaired, can legally drive in the state, according to a federal
appeals court ruling issued on Monday.
A three-judge panel for the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals overturned a state driving under the influence
conviction of a man who admitted smoking marijuana to police during a
traffic stop. The man was not driving erratically and passed two field
sobriety tests.
This ruling highlights the rationality of Idaho law. Most states have
a zero-tolerance policy regarding marijuana and driving, which means an
individual cannot legally drive with any amount of marijuana in his or
her system. Idaho, by contrast, can only punish someone if marijuana
impairs his or her driving. This is an important distinction since
traces of marijuana can remain in the system long after any intoxicating
effects have disappeared.
Idaho's law is also backed up by research. A 1999 study conducted by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the adverse
effect of marijuana on drivers is "relatively small" compared to alcohol
and some prescribed medications.
Monday's federal court ruling presents a great opportunity to discuss marijuana policy with Idaho legislators.
Please visit MPP's Idaho Web site and
send an e-mail to your state legislators, praising the court decision
and Idaho's driving laws, which only punish individuals who drive
dangerously or fail sobriety tests. It is a good policy that doesn't
waste tax dollars by prosecuting marijuana users who pose no threat to
society.
