By Steve Elliott of Toke of the Town
A bill that would establish a zero-tolerance driving under the influence (DUI) standard for marijuana has been introduced in the California Legislature.
The bill, AB 2552, sponsored by Norma Torres (D-Pomona), would make any driver found with above-zero levels of cannabinoids in blood or urine presumptively guilty of DUI.
“Since cannabinoids remain in the system for days or weeks after last use, the bill would effectively outlaw driving by every marijuana user in the state,” said Dale Gieringer of California NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).
“There is no scientific basis for zero-tolerance DUI standards,” Gieringer said.
“To begin with, there is no relationship between impairment and the presence of cannabinoids in urine.
“Secondly, there is no relationship between impairment and the presence of non-psychoactive cannabinoid metabolites in blood.
“Third, there is extensive evidence that safe driving is not incompatible with low levels of THC in the blood,” Gieringer said.
Cal NORML regards defeat of this bill as a major legislative priority, according to Gieringer.
To read the entire text of AB 2552, click here.
Article From Toke of the Town and republished with special permission.
