April 25, 2024

Concern Over Potential DUI Increase From Colorado’s Recreational Pot Use

(westernkansasnews.com) Garden City Police blame marijuana for last week’s accident at US 83 and Mary Road between a car and semi. Three people were coming from Colorado Springs. Officers report a marijuana odor when searching their vehicle.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Nate Reid says there is a concern marijuana use in states where it is legal could result in a DUI law enforcement problem for the region.

Reid wants light shined on this issue.

Its hard to see a trend over only two years, but Colorado troopers report 15% of DUI accidents were caused by marijuana last year up 3 percent from the previous year. 

Not only does the body react to someone ingesting marijuana, but the way a person takes it in can also bring about a different reaction. That is why Trooper Reid believes its important to know yourself.

The drug remains illegal in surrounding states including Kansas. There is a push for allowing some form of medical marijuana use, but it is stalled in the legislature.

*On-air story*

File Photo of Last week’s accident in Garden City