With the legalization of marijuana increasing, some entrepreneurs have launched businesses that relate to cannabis use, and one is offering what I believe to be a wild ride. A company in Colorado picks up clients at the airport and chauffeurs them to ski resorts, hotels, shopping areas, and other special venues and events. Nothing new there, you may think. But there is a unique twist to this business: passengers are offered marijuana and permitted to smoke as they are driven to their destinations. And yes, it is legal in that state, as long as there is no payment made for the cannabis and the customers are adults.
As an experienced DUI attorney, the question about the driver concerns me most in this story. Why? I hope that regular readers of this blog already know the answer. Because marijuana is still considered an impairment in terms of DUI laws. If a driver is under the influence of drugs, he may be endangering his passengers (as well as himself, other drivers, and pedestrians). Whether he is a licensed chauffeur or simply a licensed driver, he is still subject to the same laws. And, if a legally mandated drug metabolite test shows there is marijuana in his system, DUI charges may be straight ahead for him.
Perhaps there is a due consideration given to safety, and the drivers do not use drugs while on the job. People make their own choices, but the DUI laws are clear. Driving while impaired carries legal consequences if you are convicted. If you are unsure about how these laws relate to you, or have drug DUI-related issues, talk to an experienced attorney at Zachary Law Group. Come in for our FREE 30-minute case evaluation. We’ll talk about your legal rights, your questions and concerns, and how we may be able to help you “Zach-It” to achieve a positive legal outcome. You don’t need to climb behind the wheel to make a phone call. Contact us at 1-855-Zach-law.
