Previously, lawmakers were debating legislation, LD 1320, to impose ‘per se’ criminal penalties to individuals who drive with trace levels (5ng/ml or higher) of THC in their blood — regardless of whether he/she is behaviorally impaired.
Fortunately, members of the Transportation Committee amended the bill to remove provisions that make operation of a motor vehicle while having a THC level of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of blood a criminal offense. The amendment also strikes provisions that authorize the Secretary of State to suspend administratively the license of a person who with a THC level of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of blood operates a motor vehicle and that sanction the use of approved preliminary breath test devices by law enforcement officers in determining whether a person operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.
The bill was subsequently passed by both houses and sent to the Governor who vetoed the legislation. Both houses garnered the two thirds support to override the Governor’s veto.
NORML thanks those who contacted their elected officials and urged them not to adopt unscientific per se standards for cannabis.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
