March 10, 2012 – A bill that would establish a zero-tolerance DUI standard for marijuana has been introduced in the California legislature.

The bill, AB 2552 by Norma Torres (D-Pomona), would make any driver found with non-zero levels of cannabinoids in blood or urine presumptively guilty of DUI.

Since cannabinoids remain in the system for days or weeks after last use, the bill would effectively outlaw driving by every marijuana user in the state.

There is no scientific basis for zero-tolerance DUI standards. To begin with, there is no relationship between impairment and the presence of cannabinoids in urine. Secondly, there is no relationship between impairment and the presence of non-psychoactive cannabinoid metabolites in blood. Third, there is extensive evidence that safe driving is not incompatible with low levels of active THC in the blood.

Cal NORML bill regards defeat of this bill to be a major legislative priority. We will update our members as the bill moves toward hearings.

– D. Gieringer

Also see:

Sobriety Checkpoints: New Legislation to Outlaw Driving While Stoned

By Chris Roberts, SF Weekly, Mon., Mar. 12 2012