The Supreme Court made the decision in March of this year not to get involved with a state-level lawsuit filed by Nebraska and Oklahoma against Colorado for it’s marijuana legalization law. This ruling was considered a big victory for the cannabis industry and its supporters because it opens doors for more states to adopt similar laws, even though marijuana still is an illegal substance at the federal level.
In 2012, Colorado voters adopted a recreational marijuana law that Nebraska and Oklahoma claim is hurting their states. Their main concern is that marijuana is being smuggled across state lines and costing them more money.
As one USA Today article explains: “Oklahoma and Nebraska complained that pot purchased legally in Colorado is being transported illegally into or through their states, overwhelming police and courts dealing with a sudden influx of smugglers.”
These two states are now working to take their case to federal district court where they’re hopeful for a different outcome.
Marijuana and Car Accidents
One major concern for opponents to pot legalization is the effect that marijuana has on drivers and the risk of more auto accidents occurring as a result of cannabis use. Studies done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that:
Accident-involved drivers with THC in their blood, particularly higher levels, are three to seven times more likely to be responsible for the accident than drivers who had not used drugs or alcohol. The risk associated with marijuana in combination with alcohol appears to be greater than that for either drug by itself.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of an accident involving marijuana use, contact Mack Babcock at The Babcock Law Firm.
To read more on marijuana and its effects on driving, see: Car Accidents, DUI and Colorado’s New Marijuana Laws.