Suspect arrested for marijuana DUI
Over the weekend the Imperial Police Department (IPD), made a DUI arrest tied to marijuana.
Although, pot is now legal in the golden state, driving impaired isn’t.
Police officials are warning residents of the dangers of driving impaired.
IPD said officers on patrol noticed the driver swerving from side to side into the fog lane.
The DUI arrest happened Saturday night. Police say the driver was on Highway 86 near the intersection of Barioni Boulevard.
He was taken to the station, where officers say they determined he was driving impaired.
“There’s currently no breath test for marijuana. A series of tests are usually used to determine impairment of a driver,” said Max Sheffield, IPD Sergeant.
Sgt. Sheffield says law enforcement agencies in the state are still working on developing a better test for detecting marijuana but for now officers use similar tests used for alcohol impairment.
“There are just a couple more tests that are included, including pupil reactions, and also blood and urine sample,” said Sgt. Sheffield.
According to police, there is no legal limit for marijuana, unlike alcohol, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal no matter the limit.
We asked the IPD if they’ve seen an uptick in marijuana since the first marijuana dispensary opened in Imperial in early August.
Sgt. Sheffield said they haven’t seen a drastic rise, but the department has been more vigilant since the legalization of weed.
“Since California legalized marijuana we’ve seen, out of the 15 DUI’s we’ve had this year, we’ve seen two that is marijuana,” said Sgt. Sheffield.
The Imperial Police Department said that with the recent legalization of marijuana in the state, there are many drivers who are not aware of the law regarding marijuana possession and use.
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