With recreational marijuana use now legal in Washington, police from Snohomish, King and Pierce counties are reminding drivers that if you drive high, you can get a DUI.
Emphasis patrols, paid for by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, will be in place the first two weeks of July.
Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical that causes most of the effects that leaves the user feeling “high.” When smoked, THC is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and it is often unpredictable how long it will take to feel the effect, or how long it will last, police say.
Police can base arrests on results of a blood draw but can also make an arrest based on observed impairment.
“It’s difficult for anyone to judge how impaired they are after smoking pot. Any amount of marijuana consumption puts a person at risk of getting a DUI,” Sheriff Ty Trenary said.
“If you get high, it’s just good idea to find someone else to drive.”
Anyone booked for DUI will spend at least one day in jail. Courts can issue a fine to a DUI offender of up to $5,000 and legal costs can exceed $5,000.
Penalties are increased if there are children in the vehicle.
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