Has Marijuana Legalization Increased The Number Of Car Accidents?
You would never get behind the wheel of a car drunk, right? But do these same rules apply to marijuana? Does marijuana prevent you from making rational and safe choices? More importantly, has marijuana legalization increased the number of car accidents? The number one argument against the decriminalization of cannabis is the road safety of others. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe.
Impaired Driving
In states where medical marijuana is legal, there are some restrictions on certain activities like driving. Even states that don't have marijuana legalization have rules in place in order to protect you and others. Since there isn't a simple field test, like with alcohol, how do you know if you are okay to drive? The best way to know if you are being safe is to know yourself. Unlike alcohol, marijuana still lets you have a clear head. This means that you are better able to make smart decisions.
Many people think that driving while high isn't that big of a deal. There is, however, a big difference between driving high and driving blasted. Livescience.com did a great study that helps to clear the difference up. Many people use sparingly to treat pain. Are still able to live a normal life. This includes driving. To be sure that you are staying safe, check with your doctor to see what they say. Make sure, to be honest about your daily cannabis dosage.
Has there been an increase in accidents?
Has marijuana legalization increased the number of car accidents? It should be known that people have been driving under the influence long before legalization. This doesn't mean that there hasn't been a significant effect. According to CNBC, there is an increase in accidents. These studies were done mainly in the states where marijuana has been legalized.
They could many reasons for this. The number one reason is that it is harder to regulate how impaired you are. With alcohol, there are breathalyzer tests and field tests. Testing for marijuana is trickier. This would require a blood test. Very specific level of THC in your system. This cannot always be done in a pinch. Also, since marijuana legalization, more people are using cannabis. This will naturally lead to an increase in accidents.
So, how do you keep yourself and everyone around you safe? You need to know your limits. If you're dosing yourself with a tiny bit of cannabis in order to deal with pain, you should be fine. If you like to sit back with a blunt, stay off the road. Like everything in life, using cannabis requires balance. Luckily for you, your mind will be a lot clearer with cannabis than with alcohol. So stay safe and stay aware of your surroundings. The last thing you would want is to become another statistic when it comes to marijuana legalization.
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