New Illinois marijuana laws allow for recreational use of cannabis in 2020 and beyond. While proponents of the new law cite medical and lifestyle benefits to citizens, as well as tax revenue for the state, the increased use of marijuana has the potential to cause an increase in driving under the influence (DUI) accidents. While the new law has only been in effect for a few days, it’s important for all Illinois residents and visitors to understand how the state handles marijuana DUIs. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys presents a guide on Illinois marijuana DUIs and what to do if you are injured by an impaired driver.
Illinois Marijuana Laws and DUI Definitions
The state of Illinois defines a DUI as “operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs, including cannabis, or intoxicating compounds.” In regards to marijuana specifically, Illinois explicitly states, “A driver may not operate a motor vehicle while impaired by the use of cannabis, whether used medically or recreationally.”
While alcohol DUIs can be identified fairly easily by law enforcement officials through breathalyzers, there isn’t an equivalent test for marijuana use that’s widely deployed. Marijuana breathalyzer technology is advancing, and hopefully, there will be an effective solution in the near future. Until then, law enforcement must rely on blood tests to prove marijuana DUIs, which take longer and are comparatively expensive. For marijuana DUIs, Illinois uses the following metric: “a tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) concentration (THC) of either 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter of other bodily substance.”
The Dangers of Marijuana DUIs
Some people erroneously believe that being under the influence of marijuana is safer than being under the influence of alcohol when it comes to driving. That belief is categorically false. Being impared by either substance is dangerous for the driver and other motorists. The effects of marijuana may include:
- Altered perception of distance and time
- Decreased hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty focusing
- Increased brightness in perceived light and colors
- Feelings of paranoia, anxiousness, and panic
Any of those factors can dramatically increase the chance of a car accident. Suffering from multiple effects compounds the chances. People that mix alcohol and marijuana before driving are at an even greater risk of a DUI, as each drug can enhance the effects of the other.
With new Illinois marijuana laws permitting recreational use, there are likely to be many people trying the drug that are ignorant of its effects. Those with little or no experience with marijuana may grossly underestimate the effect it can have on their driving.
That lack of knowledge can be deadly to them and other drivers. While the drug can be a great benefit for many people, and while the tax money should bolster state funds, the danger of marijuana DUIs in Illinois is likely to increase in 2020.
Contact Lerner and Rowe in the Event of an Injury Due to Marijuana DUI
Hopefully you and your loved ones won’t be the victims of an Illinois marijuana DUI accident. Should something happen to you or your family because of a drug DUI, please contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance. Our team is available 24/7 by phone at 708-222-2222 and through the Internet via our convenient LiveChat and form features.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.