Driving with Marijuana in your blood

[blueash]

How much risk is presented to the public by having a person behind the wheel who tests positive for THC (the active drug in weed) in his blood?

The most comprehensive study to date has now been released.

Read this link Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/02/09/stoned-drivers-are-a-lot-safer-than-drunk-ones-new-federal-data-show/?wpisrc=nl_wnkpm&wpmm=1)

And the conclusion by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as detailed in the study:

drivers who tested positive for marijuana were no more likely to crash than who had not used any drugs or alcohol prior to driving.

The key point worth emphasizing is that the blood test is meaningless as it does not indicate to what degree if any the driver was impaired. It is absolutely certain that someone actively stoned is not a safe driver but some other mechanism of determining impairment needs to be used.

[fred53]

Well the person who made that quote must drive stoned a lot...if the driver is indeed stoned and not just registering weed in their system(which can remain for many days)then they are indeed impaired and should not be driving...I know

[DonH57]

No risk from me. After smoking grass I can't find my golf cart or car.

[DougB]

No risk from me. After smoking grass I can't find my golf cart or car.

Someone told me (I won't mention Ellen's name) that you studied for your last blood test for 5 days.

[DougB]

Well the person who made that quote must drive stoned a lot...if the driver is indeed stoned and not just registering weed in their system(which can remain for many days)then they are indeed impaired and should not be driving...I know

The difference between a drunk and a pothead at a stop sign is the drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green.

[sunnyatlast]

Pot is classified in the same schedule of federally controlled substances as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy for a reason: it is mind altering, "has no currently accepted medical use", and it IMPAIRS people in their cognitive and physical functioning!

From the D.E.A.:


"Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential.

The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous class of drugs with a high potential for abuse and potentially severe psychological and/or physical dependence…...

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are:

heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote

Schedule II

Schedule II drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, less abuse potential than Schedule I drugs, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous. Some examples of Schedule II drugs are:

cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin……..

DEA / Drug Scheduling (http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml)

[fred53]

Pot is classified in the same schedule of federally controlled substances as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy for a reason: it is mind altering, "has no currently accepted medical use", and it IMPAIRS people in their cognitive and physical functioning!

From the D.E.A.:


"Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential.

The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous class of drugs with a high potential for abuse and potentially severe psychological and/or physical dependence…...

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are:

heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote

Schedule II

Schedule II drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, less abuse potential than Schedule I drugs, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous. Some examples of Schedule II drugs are:

cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin……..

DEA / Drug Scheduling (http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml)

jibberish from the far right circa 1960's....I'm against pot legalization because I know how it works and how a whole generation of smokers are utilizing the medical pot to get a buzz....there are medical uses which are foolish to ignore and people who have life threatening illnesses who do get a benefit from taking it....as for mind altering....so are cigarettes, alcohol and chocolate.

Please don't quote from the paranoia brigade as there are logical reasons not to legalize it...then again I think alcohol is pretty useless and yet I love my beer....

[rp001]

These
old DEA quotes are so far off it is just plain funny. Reefer madness is alive and well in one poster for sure.

[Sandtrap328]

The difference between a drunk and a pothead at a stop sign is the drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green.

That is funny!!
:bigbow:

[sunnyatlast]

These
old DEA quotes are so far off it is just plain funny. Reefer madness is alive and well in one poster for sure.

Further proof that stoners don't see how impaired and useless they've become.

Sober people see it. Stoners don't see it.

[dbussone]

The difference between a drunk and a pothead at a stop sign is the drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green.

And then looks for a munchie.

[John_W]

///

[DonH57]

Someone told me (I wonerr ver't mention Ellen's name) that you studied for your last blood test for 5 days.

And I still failed. Those dang stop signs never change from red to green either.:popcorn:

[Barefoot]

The difference between a drunk and a pothead at a stop sign is the drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green.

:evil6:

[Greg Nelson]

I read somewhere the TV was pot free

[graciegirl]

I read somewhere the TV was pot free


There are several who don't smoke pot. I know for sure that me and sweetie and Helene and the cats don't.

[dewilson58]

The difference between a drunk and a pothead at a stop sign is the drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green.

Waits for it to turn green, than waits for it to turn red, than waits for it to turn green.............when will this ever stop?!?!?!?

[karostay]

How much risk is presented to the public by having a person behind the wheel who tests positive for THC (the active drug in weed) in his blood?

The most comprehensive study to date has now been released.

Read this link Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/02/09/stoned-drivers-are-a-lot-safer-than-drunk-ones-new-federal-data-show/?wpisrc=nl_wnkpm&wpmm=1)

And the conclusion by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as detailed in the study:



The key point worth emphasizing is that the blood test is meaningless as it does not indicate to what degree if any the driver was impaired. It is absolutely certain that someone actively stoned is not a safe driver but some other mechanism of determining impairment needs to be used.

It's probabley more of an offence to have it on your person than ingested .

[Walter123]

The difference between a drunk and a pothead at a stop sign is the drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green.

I did that once. Then the pot wore off and I went.

[rp001]

Further proof that stoners don't see how impaired and useless they've become.

Sober people see it. Stoners don't see it.

You are stuck in a time past. I'm so sorry.

[graciegirl]

You are stuck in a time past. I'm so sorry.

What if some of us don't want to get all fuzzied up?

You just go on and enjoy yourself.

[bagboy]

I read somewhere the TV was pot free

On a leisurely golf cart drive any afternoon or evening, has anyone ever noticed how many skunks we have here in the Villages? Skunkweed...pot that smells like skunk odor. And I have no idea how or why.

[sunnyatlast]

You are stuck in a time past. I'm so sorry.

No, I'm sorry for my old hippie friends and relatives whose brains are fried and are useless and can't work and draw SSI and Disability Medicare in their 40s and 50s.

It would be nice if they were able to be productive and pay INTO the system for another 20 years, as it has a seriously shrinking number of payers per recipients.

[Barefoot]

What if some of us don't want to get all fuzzied up? You just go on and enjoy yourself.

Gracie, most of the Wrinklies who smoked grass probably did so 30++ years ago. Not saying all.
Most of them probably aren't getting "fuzzied up" any more.

[jbdlfan]

No, I'm sorry for my old hippie friends and relatives whose brains are fried and are useless and can't work and draw SSI and Disability Medicare in their 40s and 50s.

It would be nice if they were able to be productive and pay INTO the system for another 20 years, as it has a seriously shrinking number of payers per recipients.

This has to be written in jest. You aren't seriously implying that everyone that smokes pot is a drain on society? This type of fallacious reasoning is why we pass ridiculous laws on all sorts of private behavior.

[blueash]

No, I'm sorry for my old hippie friends and relatives whose brains are fried and are useless and can't work and draw SSI and Disability Medicare in their 40s and 50s.

It would be nice if they were able to be productive and pay INTO the system for another 20 years, as it has a seriously shrinking number of payers per recipients.

Finally, someone with the facts and the intelligence to see how the impending implosion of the social security and Medicare system can be blamed on her own family and friends and some brain fried hippies. I did not know that until now. I did a google search using brain fried hippie social security and got 10,800,000 hits.

[sunnyatlast]

This has to be written in jest. You aren't seriously implying that everyone that smokes pot is a drain on society? This type of fallacious reasoning is why we pass ridiculous laws on all sorts of private behavior.

"My" friends and relatives refers to specific individuals who have fried their brains, not the whole society.

Overlooking that specificity in my post indicates another reason why "ridiculous" laws are passed.

[Barefoot]

No, I'm sorry for my old hippie friends and relatives whose brains are fried and are useless and can't work and draw SSI and Disability Medicare in their 40s and 50s.
It would be nice if they were able to be productive and pay INTO the system for another 20 years, as it has a seriously shrinking number of payers per recipients.

Sunny, with all due respect, isn't it possible that the brain-fried friends and relatives were ingesting stronger substances than marijuana?

[sunnyatlast]

Finally, someone with the facts and the intelligence to see how the impending implosion of the social security and Medicare system can be blamed on her own family and friends and some brain fried hippies. I did not know that until now. I did a google search using brain fried hippie social security and got 10,800,000 hits.

Here's one of many How-To guides on how to milk the system.

"Addicted? American? Broke? This might help:"


"If you are actively or recently addicted, live in the U.S., and are low on funds, this may be of use. I see it as getting the most out of the “disease model”. Thanks to Ram Meyyappan for offering to post this to our community.

Drug Addiction and Social Security Disability Benefits

Drug addiction can wreak havoc on an individual’s life and can often prevent an individual from working. What many people do not understand is that drug addiction is actually considered to be a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are struggling with drug addiction or drug addiction recovery, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits with a Drug Addiction

It is important to note that even though the side effects of drug abuse can prevent an individual from performing gainful work activity, addiction alone is not enough to qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits. If, however, the addiction results in other medical conditions, you can qualify for disability benefits due to the resulting conditions……"

Addicted? American? Broke? This might help… | Memoirs of an Addicted Brain (http://www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com/connect/addicted-american-broke-this-might-help/)

[sunnyatlast]

Sunny, with all due respect, isn't it possible that the brain-fried friends and relatives were ingesting stronger substances than marijuana?

They were smoking pot like chimneys in our teens and were called "burnouts" in college. Pot was and still is their drug of choice.

It was sadly predictable.

[blueash]

Here's one of many How-To guides on how to milk the system.

"Addicted? American? Broke? This might help:"


"If you are actively or recently addicted, live in the U.S., and are low on funds, this may be of use. I see it as getting the most out of the “disease model”.Thanks to Ram Meyyappan for offering to post this to our community.

Drug Addiction and Social Security Disability Benefits

Drug addiction can wreak havoc on an individual’s life and can often prevent an individual from working. What many people do not understand is that drug addiction is actually considered to be a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are struggling with drug addiction or drug addiction recovery, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits with a Drug Addiction

It is important to note that even though the side effects of drug abuse can prevent an individual from performing gainful work activity, addiction alone is not enough to qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits. If, however, the addiction results in other medical conditions, you can qualify for disability benefits due to the resulting conditions……"

Addicted? American? Broke? This might help… | Memoirs of an Addicted Brain (http://www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com/connect/addicted-american-broke-this-might-help/)

And if you read the link on the website you provide for more information on qualifying for disability payments you are sent to

How to Apply for Disability Benefits with Drug Addiction (http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/drug-addiction-and-social-security-disability)
Note carefully where it says that if drugs cause your disability, NO MONEY. Might there be some unscrupulous doctors or lawyer who will misinform the government, sure.

"It is not possible at this point in time to receive Social Security Disability benefits based solely on Drug Addiction. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not grant disability benefits to people with disabilities that have been caused or worsened by addiction.

If Drug Addiction is deemed immaterial to your disability, it is possible that the SSA will grant your disability claim. If, however, the SSA finds that your addiction materially affects your disability, it will not grant your application for disability benefits."

The correct information if I am reading regulations correctly is that if an addiction is the cause of your illness and stopping the use of the substance would make you no longer disabled then NO MONEY, however if you remain disabled even if off drugs then you are covered. An alcoholic who drunk crashes her car and becomes paraplegic is still eligible even though the addiction caused the disability, getting sober won't make her walk again.
Code of Federal Regulations § 416.935 (http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-0935.htm)

If you are actively or recently addicted, live in the U.S., and are low on funds, and
drug addiction is actually considered to be a disability by the Social Security Administration

which you present as a way for drug addicts to live off the government is bogus.

[CFrance]

On a leisurely golf cart drive any afternoon or evening, has anyone ever noticed how many skunks we have here in the Villages? Skunkweed...pot that smells like skunk odor. And I have no idea how or why.
I smell that at Churchill Rec center while playing pickle ball. I've been skunked more than once on those courts, too.

[CFrance]

No, I'm sorry for my old hippie friends and relatives whose brains are fried and are useless and can't work and draw SSI and Disability Medicare in their 40s and 50s.

It would be nice if they were able to be productive and pay INTO the system for another 20 years, as it has a seriously shrinking number of payers per recipients.
Where in the heck did you grow up, anyway.

[karostay]

Further proof that stoners don't see how impaired and useless they've become.

Sober people see it. Stoners don't see it.
They really hit bottom when the start drinking

[rubicon]

We have been down this road so many times concerning marijuana that it is just a waste of time because stoners will always be stoners and stoners like all addicts can't or won't admit the truth.

What I find sad is that profiteers are succeeding in their pitch to legalize marijuana. It is just immoral and irresponsible for people readily agree to a drug that offers no benefit to the masses but can and does extreme harm . Ican't imagine a parent going along with their kids smoking pot

Perhaps i am the only person in the world who hasn't smoked it. Heck I couldn't recognize the so call skunk smell people address here. I didn't do drugs for the same reason I stopped smoking cigarettes in 1973 for my health and that of my family and neighbors and to set good example for my children. I have far to much respect for myself and my body to fill it with junk

[CFrance]

We have been down this road so many times concerning marijuana that it is just a waste of time because stoners will always be stoners and stoners like all addicts can't or won't admit the truth.

What I find sad is that profiteers are succeeding in their pitch to legalize marijuana. It is just immoral and irresponsible for people readily agree to a drug that offers no benefit to the masses but can and does extreme harm . Ican't imagine a parent going along with their kids smoking pot

Perhaps i am the only person in the world who hasn't smoked it. Heck I couldn't recognize the so call skunk smell people address here. I didn't do drugs for the same reason I stopped smoking cigarettes in 1973 for my health and that of my family and neighbors and to set good example for my children. I have far to much respect for myself and my body to fill it with junk
Offers no benefit to the masses but does extreme harm... Sounds like alcohol.

[rubicon]

Offers no benefit to the masses but does extreme harm... Sounds like alcohol.

Hi CFrance: I agree that is why I never drnk much even as a youngster. today i have a small glass of wine with my meals. Once and a while a beer but no hard liquor and i never never out a drink when I go out to dinner


Personal Best Regards:

[PennBF]

I thought I would share an experience from back in the 80's. There is a town which is quite a bit north of San Francisco and it is Guerneville. At the time it was and maybe still is a leader in marijuana both in growth and usage. Today probably usage as others have taken over growth. The whole town was a pot center. When the California authorities put up a sign on the main highway as to turn to go into Guerneville the citizens would tear it down as fast as it was put up. At Thanksgiving they had a very large warehouse and held an open dinner for all who wanted to attend. The whole town was "high". I went into a Bakery to buy a roll and coffee. The owner told me to go ahead and take what I wanted and welcome to his town. Of course there was no charge. All actually seemed high and were happy.Being a leading marijuana center in California is really saying something. It would be interesting where are those same people today? Most in those days would not know that Guerneville was there as there were no road signs telling it's location. I continue to remain strongly against pot but still remember the wild town that smelled of pot and was not tied to charging for products. :ho:

[DougB]

I thought I would share an experience from back in the 80's. There is a town which is quite a bit north of San Francisco and it is Guerneville. At the time it was and maybe still is a leader in marijuana both in growth and usage. Today probably usage as others have taken over growth. The whole town was a pot center. When the California authorities put up a sign on the main highway as to turn to go into Guerneville the citizens would tear it down as fast as it was put up. At Thanksgiving they had a very large warehouse and held an open dinner for all who wanted to attend. The whole town was "high". I went into a Bakery to buy a roll and coffee. The owner told me to go ahead and take what I wanted and welcome to his town. Of course there was no charge. All actually seemed high and were happy.Being a leading marijuana center in California is really saying something. It would be interesting where are those same people today? Most in those days would not know that Guerneville was there as there were no road signs telling it's location. I continue to remain strongly against pot but still remember the wild town that smelled of pot and was not tied to charging for products. :ho:

Please send driving directions.

[DonH57]

I thought I would share an experience from back in the 80's. There is a town which is quite a bit north of San Francisco and it is Guerneville. At the time it was and maybe still is a leader in marijuana both in growth and usage. Today probably usage as others have taken over growth. The whole town was a pot center. When the California authorities put up a sign on the main highway as to turn to go into Guerneville the citizens would tear it down as fast as it was put up. At Thanksgiving they had a very large warehouse and held an open dinner for all who wanted to attend. The whole town was "high". I went into a Bakery to buy a roll and coffee. The owner told me to go ahead and take what I wanted and welcome to his town. Of course there was no charge. All actually seemed high and were happy.Being a leading marijuana center in California is really saying something. It would be interesting where are those same people today? Most in those days would not know that Guerneville was there as there were no road signs telling it's location. I continue to remain strongly against pot but still remember the wild town that smelled of pot and was not tied to charging for products. :ho:

I thought you were going to talk about Ojai California at first.:ho:

[CFrance]

Hi CFrance: I agree that is why I never drnk much even as a youngster. today i have a small glass of wine with my meals. Once and a while a beer but no hard liquor and i never never out a drink when I go out to dinner


Personal Best Regards:
You have an honest right to your opinion, thanks. Your money is where your mouth is, as they say.

[Greg Nelson]

IMHO pot is not nearly as big of a problem as the booze. Both of my folks died indirectly from the drinking although the death certificate didn't say so. Recent news stated that 83% of Americans favored legalization of MJ. When I asked a classmate of mine from the class of '65 if he still smoked pot, he said he gave it up when it got over $10 a bag. Alcohol on the other hand has basically remained the same cost. When I quit 18 years ago a 1.5 liter of cheap vodka cost the same as it does today.....

[DonH57]

I smell that at Churchill Rec center while playing pickle ball. I've been skunked more than once on those courts, too.

I've never smelled pot that burns and smells like skunk. New one on me. Just the regular grade. :pepper2:

[graciegirl]

Some people don't like to be around people who don't drink.

Some of my treasured, long time friends, get a little annoying after having tee many martoonies.

[Walter123]

I've never smelled pot that burns and smells like skunk. New one on me. Just the regular grade. :pepper2:

It's called skunk weed and you have to drink some tomato juice as a chaser.

[Greg Nelson]

My philosophy when I was younger 'never trust anyone who doesn't drink' .

[PennBF]

How many times have you heard someone say I don't drink "acholol" I just drink beer. Then we have I don't drink I just use "marijuana". Would someone just take the time to tell them (a) beer is acholol" is a drug and (b) marijuana is just another drug like beer and acholol.
It is hard to understand people who either don't understand or are in denial and want to believe something that is not. :shrug:

[Tennisnut]

I thought I would share an experience from back in the 80's. There is a town which is quite a bit north of San Francisco and it is Guerneville. At the time it was and maybe still is a leader in marijuana both in growth and usage. Today probably usage as others have taken over growth. The whole town was a pot center. When the California authorities put up a sign on the main highway as to turn to go into Guerneville the citizens would tear it down as fast as it was put up. At Thanksgiving they had a very large warehouse and held an open dinner for all who wanted to attend. The whole town was "high". I went into a Bakery to buy a roll and coffee. The owner told me to go ahead and take what I wanted and welcome to his town. Of course there was no charge. All actually seemed high and were happy.Being a leading marijuana center in California is really saying something. It would be interesting where are those same people today? Most in those days would not know that Guerneville was there as there were no road signs telling it's location. I continue to remain strongly against pot but still remember the wild town that smelled of pot and was not tied to charging for products. :ho:

They actually produce some fantastic Pinot Noirs to have with that MJ if you so inclined while you staying at that B&B overlooking the vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Beautiful area!