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Should medical marijuana (MMJ) patients be prohibited from driving?

A bill introduced in Colorado legislature Feb. 14 would, if passed, would declare that anyone found with five milliliters or more of THC in their bloodstream would be guilty of driving while impaired. In addition, the driver would be charged with a misdemeanor and could get his or her driver's license revoked.

Rep. Claire Levy of Boulder and Rep. Mark Waller of El Paso County introduced the bill as a way to prevent drivers with too much THC in their systems from being behind the wheel.

Levy wants to set a limit on how much THC can be in the bloodstream. However, opponents of the bill, such as Cannabis Therapy Institute (CTI) officials, argue the number is arbitrary and will only make it easier for courts to convict patients of impaired driving. They argue rather than setting an arbitrary number, more research should be done on roadside impairment tests to determine if a driver is impaired under any cause.

The bill will also force suspected MMJ drivers to submit a blood test. Currently, a suspected impaired driver can opt for a blood test or urine test, but THC can only be reliably detected in the blood stream, so the driver will have no choice.

Levy said the bill aims to provide similar penalties to a DUI, extending the definition of 'impaired' to include five or more nanograms. This amount can not be in the blood for two hours after driving and will be compared with excessive alcohol consumption.

The bill amends the current DUI law to include being under the influence of drugs.

Opponents argue that no factual research links THC with impairment. CTI officials said average THC levels among medical marijuana patients are higher than five nanograms but doesn't necessarily cause impairment.

Dr. Robert J. Melamede, a University of Colorado-Colorado Springs biology professor and CEO of Colorado Springs-based Cannabis Science, said Levy's thinking on this is backwards. He stated casual users will have often have lower levels than five nanograms and may actually be impaired, while frequent users will have higher levels in their bloodstream, yet not be impaired.

The Colorado Department of Revenue said they would begin issuing MMJ patient ID cards through the Motor Vehicle Department. Opponents are upset about this as well, as they feel patients may be forced to turn in their driver's licenses in order to be issued cards.

Is this bill justified?  Should medical marijuana patients be prohibited from driving?  Join the conversation and comment below to share your thoughts.