The CDOT may not be listened to by consumers, but your information is highly trusted. “It’s time that the industry speaks for itself in order to protect its customers.”
Sam Cole of the Colorado Department of Transportation
Some cannabis users still believe that driving while high is not dangerous. Others, however, think it’s safer to drive high.
My goal as a communication specialist for the Colorado Department of Transportation is to provide accurate, reliable information so that cannabis users can make informed decisions.
We need you if you are in the cannabis business. CDOT is not listened to, but consumers trust you as an information source. The industry needs to be heard to keep customers safe.
Three years ago, we launched an online course for budtenders to teach them about the laws, science and consequences of driving high—so that they, in turn, could share information with dispensary customers who want to know more about cannabis-impaired driving. Through this course, we have collected feedback on the valuable information that budtenders find surprising or impactful. Below, we’ve summarized the most important takeaways from more than 1,000 responses.
This information is meant to be shared with people to make them aware of the dangers associated with driving while under the influence of cannabis, alcohol, or other substances that impair your ability to drive. Enjoy this 420 with everyone. The next one. Next up:
The effects of marijuana can last longer than expected.
Participants expressed surprise about how long these effects could last and thought that most people are unaware.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers the following recommendations based upon a comprehensive review of research from medical and academic sources:
- It is best to refrain from driving after consuming any type of marijuana.
- It is crucial to consider the consumption method.
- You should wait six hours at least after you have smoked 35 mg THC.
- After consuming up to 18mg of THC, wait at least 8 hours. Colorado THC edibles are typically 10mg THC in size (e.g. a gummy).
- Even if you’re a frequent consumer of THC, 10mg or more can cause impairment, which could affect your driving, bicycling, and other activities that require safety.
The time it takes for the THC to lose its effects is determined by many factors. If you’re unsure, avoid the risks.
Cannabis-related DUIs can be real.
The responses showed that a large number of people are aware they can be charged with DUI if driving while impaired by marijuana. Many were not aware that in Colorado, a cannabis DUI is subject to the same financial and criminal penalties as an alcohol DUI.
Most people were not aware of “legal limits” or how impairment is determined.
In hundreds of comments, respondents said that the information about “legal limits” as well as how law enforcement decides whether a driver is impaired on a roadside was helpful and new.
- Colorado has a “legal limit” of 5ng THC active per ml. Blood tests are done as part the process of collecting evidence after an arrest. Police tests for Active Delta-9 THC is not residual and has been metabolized. inactive THC, like an employer might test for).
- Impaired drivers may be arrested in Colorado for Driving While Ability Impaired or Driving While Under Influence. The Standardized Field Sobriety Test is used by law enforcement officers to make this determination.
- Even if you hold a card for medical marijuana, it is possible to get arrested.
Even if your alcohol consumption is below the legal limit, it can lead to a DUI.
The respondents were also surprised to learn that even though you may be under the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and THC, you still risk a DUI. Combining cannabis with alcohol can lead to a significant increase in impairment.
Visit DriveHighDUI.com to learn more about driving while impaired, the effects on your ability to drive and its consequences. Choose to drive sober this 420.
Sam Cole works as the manager of traffic safety communication at CDOT. Over 20 years experience in public health as a spokesperson, trainer and communications expert. In his role at CDOT, he is responsible for marketing, communication and public relations on safety campaigns.
The event, which was held outside of the White House by former Marijuana prisoners who were granted clemency by Trump to ask for relief from those still in prison.