Driving High, Might Just Leave You High and Dry

A recent report published by MJBizDaily showed that legal cannabis sales in the U.S. are projected to surpass $30 billion in 2022. That means people are spending more money on marijuana than they are on beer ($28 billion) and chocolate ($20 billion). While still paling in comparison to the $53 billion American spent on tobacco products, the report showed that sales of legal cannabis could reach $57 billion by 2028.

What’s Driving Sales

Marijuana is now legal in over 20 states including Washington, DC and 18 other states which allow for its use to treat certain medical conditions. Cannabis is still illegal in 12 states. Marijuana could become legal in other states due to the possibility of other markets opening up as politicians, lawmakers, and lobbyists push for the legalization of marijuana for other purposes.

Medical Marijuana In Texas

Texas law prohibits medical marijuana to be prescribed in smokable form. Eligible Texans have access to medical marijuana through the State’s compassionate use program (CUP) administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Texans with certain medical conditions may qualify. Physicians can prescribe low tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) cannabis for medical use to treat certain ailments.

Low-THC is derived from the plant Cannabis Sativa L. The sections of the plant and any resulting compounds, salts, resins, oils and derivatives that contain less than 0.5 % of tetrahydrocannabinols are deemed low-THC. As mentioned above, medical marijuana may not be dispensed in smokable form, it is limited to edible forms which require the product to be taken by mouth and swallowed.

Texas Marijuana Laws

For more information concerning Texas law as it applies to non-legalized marijuana, see the links below.

• Section 481.120 of the Texas Health and Safety Code

  Makes intentionally or knowingly delivering marijuana a criminal offense of varying severity based on the amount of marijuana delivered.

• Section 481.121 of the Texas Health and Safety Code

  Makes the possession of marijuana a criminal offense of varying severity depending on the amount of marijuana possessed.

• Section 481.122 of the Texas Health and Safety Code

  Makes the knowing delivery of a controlled substance, including marijuana, to a person younger than 18 years of age a felony in the second degree.

• Texas Penal Code, Chapter 12

  Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code outlines the potential penalties for criminal offenses of varying degrees.

What The Statistics Show

According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, legalization of the recreational use of marijuana was associated with a 6.5% increase in injury crash rates and a 2.3% increase in fatal crash rates. The combined effect of legalization and retail sales was a 5.8% increase in injury crash rates and a 4.1% increase in fatal crash rates. Across states, the effects on injury crash rates ranged as high as an 18% increase. The effects on fatal crash rates showed a 4% increase.

How Marijuana Use Effects Drivers

Numerous studies have shown a direct relationship between marijuana use and impaired driving ability. Marijuana is the most commonly found intoxicant in the blood of drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes, including accidents resulting in death.

Marijuana not only effects cognitive function, its use has been shown to delay bodily reaction time, which is vital when operating a motor vehicle. Research conducted on six frequent marijuana users showed that after ingesting various levels of THC, their linear movement time was significantly reduced and error rates continued to increased significantly as the level of THC ingested increased.

The Short and Long-Term Costs

Driving under the influence (DUI), whether it be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegal substance can cost you significantly, both in the short and long term. When it comes to alcohol, every state other than Utah (0.05) has the same legal limit of 0.08.

If you cause an accident while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any intoxicant, including marijuana, you will incur substantial costs which might ruin your life forever. The average cost of a DUI is over $20,000 and can go much higher depending on the accident. Take into consideration the following costs:

• Bail/Bond Fees
• Impound and Towing Fees
• Attorney Fees
• Court Fees and Fines
• Drunk Driving Courses
• Vehicle Repairs
• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages
• Damages If You Get Sued

When you take all of this into account, is it really worth driving under the influence?

What To Do If You’ve Been Hit By An Impaired Driver

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Texas personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.