Page 19 - May2017

“A big problem is that there is no separate DUI law for What’s more, marijuana is not an approved medical
driving under the influence of marijuana,” says Sam Tracy, treatment by the FDA, and because of its Schedule I
former chairman of the international nonprofit Students classification extensive clinical research on its medicinal
for Sensible Drug Policy. “They just sort of wrap it into the efficacy has been difficult to obtain.
alcohol laws, so if you get charged with a DUI we don’t
have data that splits out marijuana versus alcohol versus “That probably isn’t going to change anytime soon,” Wells
prescription drugs ... so we haven’t been able to get a solid says
understanding of the effects of legalization.”
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Still, there are some who urge a great deal of caution
despite the lack of data.

“With the higher prevalence of marijuana in the world,
what we’re seeing is a sort of denial of the fact that
marijuana can be impairing,” says Chris Cochran,
spokesperson for California’s Office of Traffic Safety.
“Marijuana is not a benign substance when it comes
to driving ability. It throws off your perception of time,
loosens inhibitions, and changes reaction times. We can’t
just say, ‘Oh, people who are high drive slower and nicer.’

“Anything you put into your body
that will alter your brain chemistry is
potentially impairing and dangerous
behind the wheel.”

Medical Marijuana and Health Insurance
Even if you live in one of the 28 states
that have legalized marijuana for
medicinal use, don’t expect your health
insurance to foot the bill.

Because of its federal designation as a
Schedule I controlled substance, health
insurance providers have their hands tied
when it comes to reimbursing patients
using medicinal cannabis, says Wells.

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