California’s Driving While Under the Influence Laws
At Strains Dispensary in Perris, we strive to be an excellent corporate citizen and steward of California’s cannabis industry by following all state and county rules, regulations, and laws. We always encourage our customers to follow all of California’s laws when driving to and from the dispensary as well as too and from anywhere else. Most of our customers are well-versed in driving laws and know that driving under the influence of cannabis is not only unsafe but a violation of state law. However, if you are new to the industry or new to California, or both, we invite you to review California’s driving under the influence laws in making the judgment to never drive under the influence.
California Law, Legal Cannabis, & Driving Under the influence of THC
Although many people might argue that they can drive safely while under the influence of THC, we never recommend it and always encourage our patients to follow California law to never drive while high. Driving under the influence of THC is illegal and is treated in California almost exactly as an alcohol DUI. We could argue that the research regarding how cannabis affects driving performance is inconclusive, but the truth of the matter is that California’s research demonstrates how stoned drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a collision compared to sober. Now, this is better than alcohol’s statistics but is still an undue risk for you, your passengers, and other motorists. Don’t risk driving under the influence!
Penalties for Driving While Under the Influence of THC
With the penalties for driving under the influence including jail time, we don’t recommend doing it. Beyond jail time, those caught driving under the influence of THC in California can be subjected to punishments including suspended driver’s license, mandatory classes, and costly fines! If the marijuana DUI includes bodily injury, the potential consequences increase considerably; and if the DUI causes death, the ultimate punishment is being found guilty of a felony – negligent vehicular manslaughter with associated prison time. Considering these penalties, it is clear that it is always best to not drive while under the influence.
