State Law Doesn't Set Firm Limits for Drugged Driving Everyone knows the rules surrounding drunken driving. The legal limits are clearly defined and well-established by science. But how do you know when someone's too stoned to drive? It's a critical question given the spread of legal marijuana use, but there's no easy answer. Measuring impairment from cannabis, it turns out, is difficult and scientifically complex. Drugged driving is on the increase. Nearly twice as many California drivers tested positive for drugs than alcohol in a recent study, and 30 percent of drivers in the state's fatal crashes tested positive for an impairing drug, according to state officials. [continues 1100 words]
Sheriff's officials are warning parents to be on the lookout for candies infused with marijuana when their children go out trick-or-treating. Some treats that look like regular chocolate bars, brownies or jelly candies may actually contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and can make a child sick, said sheriff's Lt. Chris May. Officials say that some products laced with marijuana may be difficult to spot, and they are concerned that just a small bite of a marijuana cookie or gummy bear could have a big effect because of the concentration of THC some include. [continues 257 words]
City Would Offer Clean Syringes To Drug Users A needle exchange program that Mayor Jerry Sanders said helps combat the spread of AIDS and hepatitis could soon resume in San Diego. Sanders said yesterday he believes he has the five votes needed from the City Council to restart the program, which was shut down last July after Councilmen Michael Zucchet and Ralph Inzunza resigned. Both had supported the effort, which started in 2002. A council vote on Sanders' proposal is scheduled for Tuesday. [continues 389 words]
Sales of over-the-counter cold medications that contain a key ingredient used in making the illegal drug methamphetamine will be limited to small quantities in the unincorporated area under a new law adopted yesterday. The ordinance allows an individual to purchase no more than 100 tablets or three packages containing ephedrine or ephedrine derivatives in a 24-hour period. The measure is designed to prevent meth manufacturers from buying large quantities of cold medications and other ephedrine-based products -- including decongestants, antihistamines and dietary supplements -- to produce the drug. [continues 389 words]
