Pubdate: Wed, 23 Apr 2014
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2014 The Washington Times, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Page: A6
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)

HIGH COURT SAYS MEDICAL POT NOT PROSECUTABLE UNDER DUI LAW

PHOENIX - Authorities can't prosecute Arizona motorists for driving 
under the influence of marijuana unless the person is impaired at the 
time of the stop, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

The ruling overturned a state Court of Appeals decision last year 
that upheld the right of authorities to prosecute pot smokers for DUI 
even when there is no evidence of impairment.

The opinion focuses on two chemical compounds in marijuana that show 
up in blood and urine tests - one causes impairment, the other 
doesn't but stays in a user's system for weeks.

Some prosecutors had warned that anyone in Arizona who used medical 
marijuana simply shouldn't drive or they would risk facing DUI charges.

Tuesday's state Supreme Court opinion removed that threat in 
explaining that while state statute makes it illegal for a driver to 
be impaired by marijuana, the presence of a non-psychoactive compound 
does not constitute impairment under the law.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom