Medical Marijuana in New Mexico: Staying Safe
As discussed on our Effects of Cannabis page, many medical marijuana users experience distorted perception, slowed reaction times, general sleepiness, impaired judgment, and other effects that can make driving a car extremely unsafe. This is certainly true of many common medications, especially painkillers like hydrocodone or oxycodone.
DUIs Are Not Just for Alcohol
The fact of the matter is that operating a vehicle while impaired by any substance is both dangerous and illegal. Even if you are a legal medical marijuana patient, this does not give you the right to drive if you become impaired as a result of marijuana use. If you are pulled over for DUI and are impaired, you could be subject to arrest, license suspension, and even have your vehicle impounded.
Medical Marijuana: Safety First
We understand that your medical needs may require you to take medical marijuana from time to time during the course of the day, and that you may also have the need to travel during the day. Please make arrangements to use public transit or get a ride from a friend if you have transportation needs within several hours of using legal medical marijuana.
Even if you do not feel impaired or have used only a small dose of cannabis to relieve your symptoms, New Mexico state and local police are extremely strict regarding DUI. If you are pulled over for any reason and an officer suspects you are under the influence of marijuana by smelling it on your breath or clothes, for example, you could be arrested for DUI. While your enrollment in the medical cannabis program will protect you from prosecution for possession (if less than six ounces), it is no defense against DUI.
Always use medical marijuana responsibly! Cannabis is a valuable, effective medicine. It can also be a very powerful one. And, like most medications, it can be dangerous when used irresponsibly.
To discuss the safe and legal use of marijuana, enrollment into the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program, schedule an appointment, or for any other questions or concerns about medical marijuana in general, call Albuquerque Integrative Medicine today at 505-570-5447.