A study by the AAA Traffic Safety Foundation also found that combining substances increases the likelihood of risky driving behaviors like speeding. Not to mention, driving high significantly increases the risk of a crash. In Colorado, about one-third of traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver. Colorado law enforcement prosecute over 16,000 DUIs each year, which includes arrests for cannabis impairment. Like drunk driving, a DUI arrest for high driving can lead to jail time, license suspension and a cost of over $13,500 when you factor in attorney fees, court fees and fines.

• Research shows that users are more likely to drive or take other risks after using both substances than after consuming cannabis alone.
• Like drunk driving, a DUI arrest for high driving can lead to jail time, license suspension and a cost of over $13,500 when you factor in attorney fees, court fees and fines.
• In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness.
• While it’s legal to purchase recreational cannabis in Colorado, getting behind the wheel after consuming it is not.
• Among those who said they drive high, about half said they would stop if they thought they would get a DUI or if they had a sober friend willing to drive.
• Given THC’s impact on reaction time and cognitive functions, driving while under its influence poses substantial risks.

Since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, the state has implemented comprehensive regulations to manage its use, distribution, and consumption. Marijuana law in Colorado allows adults aged 21 and over to purchase, possess, and use up to one ounce of marijuana. Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to six plants for personal use. Despite these freedoms, it’s crucial to recognize that marijuana use must be conducted responsibly and in accordance with state laws, particularly when it comes to driving.

Understanding Marijuana Laws in Colorado

68% of individuals with detected Delta-9 THC also had some other substance present. CDOT said hundreds of people asked about the “legal limits of cannabis,” how law enforcement determines roadside impairment, and even showed open-container laws in Colorado were either unknown or misunderstood. Driving under the influence of cannabis puts you, your loved ones and other roadway users at risk. In 2024, 199 roadway fatalities in Colorado involved impaired driving. Respondents also expressed surprise — and noted as highly important information — that you are at risk of a DUI even if you’re under the “legal limit” for Blood Alcohol Content and THC. Cannabis combined with alcohol significantly increases impairment.

Evidence of Impairment

His areas of focus include impaired driving, police traffic services, motorcycle safety, young driver safety, legislative analysis and speed enforcement programs. Glenn has worked closely with members of Colorado’s cannabis business and advocacy communities since cannabis was legalized in Colorado what happens when you mix cannabis and alcohol colorado department of transportation in 2012. Glenn also represented CDOT on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s Marijuana Working Group and is CDOT’s governor appointee to the Marijuana Education Oversight Committee and POST Marijuana Working Group. A common misconception we’ve heard is the belief that having lingering THC in your system from regular cannabis use can result in a DUI, the way an employer drug test would show cannabis in a person’s system. However, drug tests commonly administered by employers detect inactive THC, while impaired driving investigations focus on active THC in the bloodstream. So, if someone drives sober, even with residual, metabolized THC in their system, they won’t test positive for active THC in tests conducted by law enforcement.

When someone is high behind the wheel, the chances of a crash are doubled, and the chances of a DUI are even higher. The average cost of a DUI is $13,500 for alcohol and drugs. The events lead to heavy consumption of drugs and/or alcohol. So, law enforcement increase patrols, leading to an increase in driving under the influence citations and impaired-driving deaths. Refusing to submit to a blood test can result in immediate penalties, including an automatic license suspension. It’s important to understand that Colorado has an “express consent” law, which means that by driving on Colorado roads, you consent to chemical testing if suspected of impaired driving.

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• Brian Sherrod is a multimedia journalist and the First Alert Traffic Tracker Reporter at CBS News Colorado.
• As safety advocates, we want to remind you to think about safety.
• THC can impair reaction time, hand-eye coordination, judgment, and spatial perception.
• Fines are one such penalty, with monetary amounts varying depending on the severity of the offense and whether there are any prior convictions.
• Opting for alternative transportation methods is advisable.

Even if you’re not purchasing products in a dispensary, there’s still a chance they can affect your ability to drive. In Colorado, the typical cannabis cigarette product or joint contains approximately 0.5 grams of cannabis, which means consuming about 60 mg to 115 mg of THC. The standard serving size for a cannabis edible is 5 mg to 10 mg. However, consuming similar amounts of THC in edibles will typically have stronger effects than if smoked. If chemical tests or field sobriety tests were used against you when you were charged with DUI, speak to your DUI lawyer. Our DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Lori J. Crystal, LLC can help.

The research even shows that users are more likely to drive (or take other risks) after using both substances than after consuming marijuana alone. As 4/20 approaches, prioritizing road safety amid cannabis celebrations is paramount. Utilizing available resources, planning alternative transportation, and understanding the nuances of impairment are vital steps.

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While cannabis acceptance has grown, driving high still poses significant risks. As we approach 4/20 festivities, it’s crucial to address common questions and misconceptions surrounding cannabis use and driving to ensure safety on our roads. Colorado takes cannabis impairment behind the wheel seriously because impairment is impairment, no matter the substance. THC is proven to slow reaction time, reduce focus, and temporarily weaken problem solving skills. Consuming THC affects you differently than alcohol, but it impairs driving ability all the same. CDOT’s Meet The Effects Campaign is committed to raising awareness of the dangers of driving high.

Beyond the legal penalties, a DUI or DWAI conviction can have significant impacts on other areas of your life. You may face higher premiums or even difficulty obtaining coverage altogether. This comprehensive guide from our DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Lori J. Crystal, LLC explores the legal framework, defenses, and implications of driving stoned in Colorado. Read “Want to know more about cannabis and driving? Ask your budtender” to learn more.

Specially trained Drug Recognition Experts can provide insights about the level of impairment. While marijuana is legal in Colorado, responsible consumption is vital to public safety. Driving under the influence of marijuana not only endangers the driver but also other road users. By understanding the laws, recognizing the effects of marijuana on driving, and taking precautions, individuals can enjoy marijuana responsibly without putting themselves or others at risk. Glenn Davis is the highway safety manager in the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Highway Safety Office.

However, the state did see 101 fatalities in 2022 involving a vehicle operator with Delta-9 THC above the legal limit at the time of the crash, which illustrates the seriousness of the issue. If charged with a marijuana DUI in Colorado, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. A skilled DUI attorney can examine the evidence, including the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and blood test results, to build a defense. Potential defenses might include questioning the validity of the blood test, the accuracy of the THC measurement, or the legality of the traffic stop.

THC is the chemical in marijuana that produces a “high.” Use of THC —whether eaten, smoked, or vaped — causes poor muscle coordination and delayed reaction times. Everyone from marijuana use advocates to law enforcement professionals strongly discourage the use of marijuana while operating machinery, including an automobile. Unlike alcohol, cannabis isn’t metabolized in a uniform way or on a predictable timeline—whether you’re smoking or consuming edibles, your tolerance and other factors all play a role. The subjective experience of cannabis impairment also varies wildly.