Can you drive under the influence of marijuana in California?

Article written by Delta Driving School

While there have been a variety of inconclusive studies conducted about potential impaired driving under the influence of marijuana, in California, it is illegal to do so. Besides giving you a high, when under the influence of marijuana, you may experience additional effects.

Drowsiness

Impaired memory

Inaccurate or no sense of time

Increased hunger

Moodiness or mood swings

If you have experimented with marijuana on a regular basis and then ceased using, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, which causes the majority of marijuana’s psychological effects) can remain in your system for up to 30 days. Therefore, it is imperative that you understand the potential consequences of you are pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence.

Law enforcement will look for the following evidence of your impairment:

Driving conduct

Statements that you make to the officer

The smell of marijuana on you or in your vehicle

Your behavior

Your performance on field sobriety tests (FST)

The presence of marijuana in your vehicle

The penalties, if you are convicted of driving under the influence, can vary, depending on whether or not it is your first or subsequent conviction. In most cases, you will be subject to one or all of the following consequences:

Jail or prison time – a minimum of two days jail time up to several months or years

Fines ranging from the hundreds of dollars into the thousands

Driver’s license suspension or revocation

Participation in DUI school for a term set by the court

Restitution to victims, in the event of an accident

Court-ordered probation

About the Author:
Delta Driving School is a Driving School in Highland Park CA. They offer driving lessons. If you are in the area and looking for lessons, make sure to contact them.