Quote:
Originally Posted by Byte1
That's all well and good, BUT the question is: Has law enforcement found something as fast as a breathalyzer for alcohol that can be used for testing for pot DUI? Granted, my experience is decades old, but from what I know/knew some form of specimen (hair, tongue tissue, blood) had to be sent off to a lab. Like blood tests for alcohol cannot be forced upon a possible DUI, neither can blood or tissue test be forced for a marijuana test(as far as I know). I am not sure about a urine test. So, if physical evidence such as a baggie of weed or a pipe with residue is not in the suspect's possession, it makes it hard to convict for DUI by pot. I am only speculating, and may be wrong. Modern technology may now be able to assist the street cop in proving impairment due to pot.
But, like I said before, just because it's easier to legalize some deviant action, does not make it right. Recreational use of pot is not necessary and is harmful. This has nothing to do with the comparison to alcohol usage. Legalizing alcohol was another excuse for their not being able to enforce the ban. They used the excuse of added tax revenues. Same with tobacco. There is no healthy reason for tobacco use.
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This is why there is also a law prohibiting "driving while impaired" (DWI, not DUI) in many parts of the country. If you are impaired, at all - whether to legal meds that you are taking correctly as prescribed, or alcohol, or you're distracted by the phone, or even if you normally wear glasses and left them at home that day - then you are driving while impaired. If you cause an accident as a result, or break some OTHER law as a result (weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, running a stop sign, etc. etc.) then your fine will be higher because you are driving while impaired.