A call to wisdom, responsibility, and love for neighbor.
As more states legalize recreational marijuana, it becomes easier to downplay what hasn’t changed: driving while impaired still kills. Marijuana can slow reaction time, distort judgment, and reduce attention — and those risks multiply behind the wheel.
Marijuana affects people differently based on strain, potency, method of use, how often someone consumes, body chemistry, and whether other medications or mental health concerns are involved.
There is also marijuana use disorder, where a person struggles to stop even when the consequences begin harming relationships, work, school, or emotional health.
Today’s cannabis market varies widely in potency and effect. Even experienced users can be surprised by a new product, a higher dose, or an unexpected reaction.
Even where marijuana is legal to purchase or use, driving under the influence is not. Every state prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by marijuana.
There is no “safe” amount before driving. If it can impair you, it can endanger others.
With marijuana, impairment is harder to measure than alcohol. THC potency varies, methods differ (smoking vs edibles), and THC can remain detectable after the subjective “high” fades.
Blood tests may confirm THC is present, but they don’t always prove real-time impairment at the moment someone was driving.
Field sobriety tests aren’t perfect, but they can provide insight — especially when combined with other evidence.
Both are dangerous. Alcohol often increases risk-taking and overconfidence. Marijuana more commonly increases drowsiness, distraction, slower reactions, and altered perception. In many cases, people combine substances — which can multiply risk.
There is no single national standard. Effects depend on the product, dose, method, and the individual. If you feel any impairment — slow thinking, delayed reaction, drowsiness, fogginess — do not drive. When in doubt, wait longer and choose a ride.
No. Even if someone feels fine, marijuana can impair reaction time, attention, judgment, and coordination — especially in unexpected situations on the road.
Law enforcement may use observations, field sobriety tests, and blood or breath testing where applicable. Testing can confirm THC presence, but it does not always perfectly measure real-time impairment.
Both are unlawful and dangerous. Either one can ruin lives in seconds. Don’t do either.
If you choose to consume marijuana — medically or recreationally — make a plan that protects people. Arrange a ride. Stay put. Call someone. Choose wisdom.