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Most people assume that driving under the influence of marijuana isn’t that dangerous. However, marijuana impairs your ability to drive, although there isn’t much data showing that it will increase chances of a crash. It’s safest to wait a few hours after marijuana use before you drive. Doing so will decrease your chances of putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of marijuana, you may need to hire a DUI/DWI attorney. Keep in mind that with New Jersey’s legalization of marijuana, possessing marijuana up to six ounces is now legal but driving under the influence is still illegal. If you are pulled over and found to be carrying six ounces or less of marijuana (and not under the influence), a police office cannot charge you. If you have more than six ounces, this is still against the law.
Does Marijuana Impair Your Ability to Drive?
Marijuana affects the cognitive abilities you need when you drive. It’s safer to wait to drive until you are sober. However, marijuana isn’t as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Studies have shown that people using marijuana are more likely to weave within their lane but are less likely to swerve into other lanes and speed. The recommended time to wait to drive is four hours after marijuana use, although sometimes it is necessary to wait up to six or eight hours.
Additionally, marijuana can cause poor judgment and impair your ability to concentrate. Confusion and slow information processing are common side effects of marijuana usage and can affect your overall ability to drive. If an officer suspects you of driving while under the influence, you could find yourself receiving a citation. In this case, contact a New Jersey DUI/DWI attorney. Remember, an officer must have probable cause to pull you over and they must also be able to prove that you are under the influence or in possession of more than six ounces of marijuana. Otherwise, you cannot be charged.
Risks of Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Marijuana users are more likely to crash than drivers who aren’t under the influence of any impairing substances. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of hurting yourself and others when driving under the influence. Depending on the amount of marijuana found in your car, you might need to hire a New Jersey DUI/DWI attorney.
An attorney will be able to look at your case as well as the new marijuana laws and determine how to create a defense in court so that charges can hopefully dropped.
Signs of Marijuana Use
One of the most common signs of marijuana impairment is red or bloodshot eyes. Marijuana use also causes delayed reaction times and poor coordination while under the influence. A user may also feel anxious, dizzy or tired. These are all things that police officers look for when trying to determine if an individual is under the influence of marijuana. If you show any of these signs, you may need to hire a New Jersey DUI/DWI attorney.
Even though marijuana is now legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal. It’s safe to say that the risks that come with driving under the influence of marijuana aren’t worth it. Not only are you potentially putting your life and others in danger, but you’re also risking getting charged if you are in possession of more than six ounces. If you find yourself facing DUI/DWI charges, you should contact Leon Matchin by emailing him at [email protected]. Being convicted of driving under the influence of marijuana may require you to hire a New Jersey DUI/DWI attorney.
