Quote:
Originally Posted by Byte1
So, we should legalize DUI? Is that what you are advocating? Since driving after drinking is done all the time, we should legalize it?
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The use of alcohol is regulated. There are laws that you have to obey, if you choose to possess, buy, or drink alcohol. If you choose to disobey those laws, there are consequences.
The same can apply to the use of cannabis. Driving under the influence isn't exclusive to alcohol. It's not exclusive to illegal drugs. It's not exclusive to the accidental misuse or intentional abuse of legally prescribed drugs.
If you need valium to control anxiety, and your doctor has prescribed it, and you took it correctly - but you were out on a hot day and didn't hydrate enough or eat any food, then that valium is going to impair your ability to drive. If you get into an accident, you would be charged with driving while impaired.
The same goes for any substance you take, whether legally or illegally. If you are impaired and cause an accident, get into a fight, rob a bank, jaywalk, break into someone's house, shout racial epithets at your neighbor - you can be charged with disorderly conduct, driving while impaired, or any of the OTHER laws that apply to people who do stupid stuff while - impaired.
The ONLY difference between these criminal behaviors when you're using cannabis vs. any legal substance (like alcohol) is - cannabis is not legal. That's it. The behaviors are criminal and chargeable offenses, REGARDLESS. Making cannabis legal will STILL result in criminal charges if you violate those laws while you are affected by the THC.