Don’t Drive High — It Could Cost You
Colorado made history when it legalized recreational marijuana, but legalization came with a serious and growing problem on our roads. Driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous, illegal, and increasingly deadly. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the number of roadway fatalities in which the at-fault driver was suspected to be impaired by cannabis was 82 in 2021, 58 in 2022, 52 in 2023, and 45 in 2024. While that downward trend is encouraging, impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in our state. In 2024, 689 people lost their lives in traffic crashes statewide, and over 40% of those fatalities involved at least one at-fault driver confirmed to be impaired by alcohol or another substance.
The problem is made worse by a dangerous misconception. Many cannabis users believe that driving high is safer than driving drunk. Research makes clear that this is simply not true. A study conducted by the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California San Diego found that participants did not fully recover their driving ability until 4.5 hours after cannabis consumption, with differences in driving scores still seen at 3.5 hours post-consumption. And as of 2024, 16.3% of past-30-day cannabis users in Colorado reported driving within 2 to 3 hours of use.
Why Driving High Is So Dangerous
Cannabis impairs driving in several important ways. It slows your reaction time, interferes with your decision-making abilities, worsens hand-eye coordination, and makes it harder to maintain your lane position and manage your speed. Simulation studies have consistently shown that cannabis-impaired drivers perform significantly worse than sober drivers across all of these measures.
The danger compounds dramatically when cannabis is combined with alcohol. Substance-combiners were involved in crashes one and a half times more than drivers testing positive for alcohol alone, and four times the rate of those testing positive for cannabis alone. In an analysis of DUI case filings in Colorado, 68% of individuals with detected Delta-9 THC also had another substance present, with alcohol being the most common co-occurring substance. As CDOT’s Highway Safety Manager put it: “Even if you’ve only had one beer and half an edible, find a safe ride home.”
Colorado’s Legal Limit For Cannabis And Driving
Under Colorado law, drivers can be charged with DUI if they have 5 nanograms of Delta-9 THC or more per milliliter of blood. However, it is important to understand that impairment can occur well below that threshold, and law enforcement officers can arrest a driver they believe to be impaired even if their THC level is below 5 nanograms. Colorado also has a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) law that can result in penalties for drivers who are even slightly impaired by any substance, including cannabis.
The consequences of a cannabis DUI conviction in Colorado are serious and can include jail time, significant fines, license suspension, mandatory drug education classes, and a criminal record that can affect employment and housing. And if your impaired driving causes an accident that injures or kills someone, you could face felony charges including vehicular assault or vehicular homicide.
The Message Isn’t Getting Through — Especially To Teens
Despite years of public education campaigns, a significant number of Colorado drivers still do not take the dangers of driving high seriously. This is particularly concerning among younger drivers. Research shows that parents are not having adequate conversations with their teens about cannabis-impaired driving. Only 31% of parents reported speaking to their teen about the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana, compared to 67% who have warned their teens about seat belt use and 60% who have cautioned against texting and driving.
In 2024, 35 traffic fatalities in Colorado involved drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who tested positive for alcohol or another impairing substance. These are preventable deaths. If you have a teen driver at home, having a direct and honest conversation about cannabis and driving is just as important as talking about alcohol.
Have You Been Injured By An Impaired Driver?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a driver who was under the influence of cannabis or any other substance, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Impaired driving cases can involve criminal proceedings running parallel to your civil claim, and having an experienced attorney on your side from the start ensures your rights are protected throughout both processes.
At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys know how to build strong cases against impaired drivers and the insurance companies that represent them. We understand what damages you may be entitled to recover and we are not afraid to fight for every dollar you deserve. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help.
