Marijuana Legalization is Leading to More Crashes

Marijuana legalization is on the rise in states across the country.  Many believe it's just a matter of time before marijuana is legalized on the federal level.As more states legalize marijuana, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety seems to have cautionary advice:  Marijuana legalization is leading to more car crashes.The study, which was released last week, indicates that in states like Colorado and Washington, car crashes increased nearly 6 % since pot became legal there.  California motorists should be forewarned,  since the state legalized  recreational marijuana in 2018.As a reminder, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by marijuana. What exactly is considered "impairment" could be up for debate.  The Insurance Institute study notes that the link between marijuana and crashes is not as clear cut as is the link between alcohol and crashes.We discussed California's marijuana laws earlier this year. For convenient's sake, here's what to know:Not AllowedDriving while under the influence of marijuana.Ingesting or using marijuana while in a vehicle (including as a passenger).Smoking marijuana in public.Purchasing marijuana by someone under the age of 21.Growing more than 6 marijuana plants on a private premises.  The “pots” (pun intended) must be locked and out of the public’s view.  Commercial growers have different rules that aren’t discussed here.If you are transporting marijuana plants, they must be locked in the trunk of your car.AllowedPurchasing marijuana by someone 21 and above without a medical marijuana prescription.You can read more about the Los Angeles Police Department’s approach to cannabis enforcement here.If you or someone you know was injured by a driver who had a little too much of the green stuff, the Rabbi Lawyer is ready to assist, 24/6.