| Despite the slightly insulting and prejudice nature of these PSA commercials, they bring up a valid point. That just like alcohol, driving while high on marijuana is dangerous and should be illegal. Like alcohol, your reflexes and hand-eye coordination isn't at its best while under the influence. The only problem is that there aren't any immediate ways of testing blood levels of THC, the active component in marijuana. As well even if there was a way of testing on the spot like breathalyzers for alcohol, what is an except-able level of THC in the blood for driving? Here is an article that discusses some of these concerns and what is known about them: http://www.hightimes.com/read/5-things-know-about-driving-marijuana The article basically states that, we know driving while high on marijuana is worse than not, but by how much is uncertain. As well they reiterate the point I made about problems with testing blood levels, and what blood levels are acceptable. Essentially this is the main concern when it comes to marijuana legalization, from my point of view. Here is another article discussing these issues more in depth: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/18/health/driving-under-the-influence-of-marijuana.html?_r=0 The article in essence explains how all the data to date says that driving while under the influence of marijuana definitely brings a little bit more risk to the situation, but that alcohols effects are much more dangerous compared to driving while high on marijuana. One study mentioned in the article found that "marijuana did not statistically increase the risk of a crash." but the author of the study went on to say "Despite our results, I still think that marijuana contributes to crash risk,” he said, “only that its contribution is not as important as it was expected.” In conclusion, it is clear that marijuana impairs driving to some extent, but more research is needed in order to fine tune driving requirements for smokers. As well better testing is needed in order to enforce these requirements. For myself personally this is the only downside I can see from the legalization of marijuana. |