A bill that would establish a zero-tolerance driving under the influence (DUI) standard for marijuana has been introduced in the California Legislature.
The bill, AB 2552, sponsored by Norma Torres (D-Pomona), would make any driver found with above-zero levels of cannabinoids in blood or urine presumptively guilty of DUI.
“Since cannabinoids remain in the system for days or weeks after last use, the bill would effectively outlaw driving by every marijuana user in the state,” said Dale Gieringer of California NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).
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| Cal NORML |
| Dale Gieringer, Cal NORML: “There is no scientific basis for zero-tolerance DUI standards” |
”There is no scientific basis for zero-tolerance DUI standards,” Gieringer said.
“To begin with, there is no relationship between impairment and the presence of cannabinoids in urine.
“Secondly, there is no relationship between impairment and the presence of non-psychoactive cannabinoid metabolites in blood.
“Third, there is extensive evidence that safe driving is not incompatible with low levels of THC in the blood,” Gieringer said.
Cal NORML regards defeat of this bill as a major legislative priority, according to Gieringer.
To read the entire text of AB 2552, click here.
By Steve Elliot, Toke of the Town
ASA editors note: The Facebook page of Norma Torres was inundated with comments condemning AB 2552 prompting Norma Torres to disable comments. A Facebook page titled “Recall Norma Torres” has been created in response.
UPDATE:
AB 2552 has been referred to the committee on Public Safety. Please contact the committee members and let them know what you think about AB 2552.
The members of the committee are:
Tom Ammiano http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD13
Steve Knight http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD36
Gilbert Cedillo http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD45
Curt Hagman http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD60
Holly Mitchell http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD47
Nancy Skinner http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD14
How is this enforceable? Marijuana is detectable for in many cases over a month in the system. What about STATE SANCTIONED MEDICAL PATIENTS? This is really a very infantile and short sighted bill. Don’t reelect Norma Torres, it is clear she is not in full control of her cognitive faculties.
It is enforceable by testing for the delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolite which indicates recent use. It is good to hear the state is finally going to try to do something about the potheads. IF you are so sick that you must use cannabis to be well, you shouldn’t drive.