Marijuana Abusers Cause Traffic Fatalities – Face Federal Prosecution
Advocates for the legalization of marijuana are going to have a tough time convincing those that suffer the loss of loved one that smoking marijuana doesn't kill. According to a recent report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that in over 300 locations blood, breath and saliva tests were collected over a series of weekends which determined over 16% of drivers were impaired by either legal or illegal drugs, and nearly ten percent were high on marijuana. The samples were collected at night which adds to the risk of impairment.
The state of California reports nearly 1,000 people die each year either are drugged drivers or killed by one. Medical marijuana is a significant contributor to the traffic fatalities and is on the rise. Treatment admissions for marijuana addiction have risen 33% since the marijuana drug policy reform. The Director of the White House of National Drug Control Policy told the LA Times, "Marijuana is a significant and important contributing factor in a growing number of fatal accidents. There is no question, not only from the data but from what I have heard in my career as a law enforcement officer."
Adding to the problem is the lack of standard allowable amounts of marijuana drivers should be allowed to have in their blood if any. The article goes on to report there are thirteen states with zero-tolerance laws, while 35 states do not have a formal standard. These states instead rely on police to determine if a driver is impaired.
The U.S Justice Department continues to take marijuana abuse seriously stating recently in USA today article, that medical marijuana dispensaries and licensed growers located in states with medical marijuana laws are not immune from prosecution for violation of federal drug and money-laundering laws. Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote a policy memo to federal prosecutors that states, "Persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
Without question marijuana abuse is a significant problem and will continue elevate due to the overall public opinion of the drug. For years marijuana advocates promoted marijuana as less harmful than alcohol, non-addictive or a gateway drug and prohibition doesn't work. It is a well known fact that nearly 100% of hardcore drug addicts started out with alcohol or marijuana or both. Alcohol kills more Americans each year than all the wars since the turn of the 20th century.
To add to that, studies have shown those that smoke marijuana are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop depression and anxiety issues that non marijuana smokers. It's almost as of those that stand to profit from the sale of drugs, stand to profit from the treatment of the adverse of marijuana as well.
The state of California reports nearly 1,000 people die each year either are drugged drivers or killed by one. Medical marijuana is a significant contributor to the traffic fatalities and is on the rise. Treatment admissions for marijuana addiction have risen 33% since the marijuana drug policy reform. The Director of the White House of National Drug Control Policy told the LA Times, "Marijuana is a significant and important contributing factor in a growing number of fatal accidents. There is no question, not only from the data but from what I have heard in my career as a law enforcement officer."
Adding to the problem is the lack of standard allowable amounts of marijuana drivers should be allowed to have in their blood if any. The article goes on to report there are thirteen states with zero-tolerance laws, while 35 states do not have a formal standard. These states instead rely on police to determine if a driver is impaired.
The U.S Justice Department continues to take marijuana abuse seriously stating recently in USA today article, that medical marijuana dispensaries and licensed growers located in states with medical marijuana laws are not immune from prosecution for violation of federal drug and money-laundering laws. Deputy Attorney General James Cole wrote a policy memo to federal prosecutors that states, "Persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
Without question marijuana abuse is a significant problem and will continue elevate due to the overall public opinion of the drug. For years marijuana advocates promoted marijuana as less harmful than alcohol, non-addictive or a gateway drug and prohibition doesn't work. It is a well known fact that nearly 100% of hardcore drug addicts started out with alcohol or marijuana or both. Alcohol kills more Americans each year than all the wars since the turn of the 20th century.
To add to that, studies have shown those that smoke marijuana are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop depression and anxiety issues that non marijuana smokers. It's almost as of those that stand to profit from the sale of drugs, stand to profit from the treatment of the adverse of marijuana as well.
Source...