As April 20th, or 420 as it is colloquially known, approaches, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is doubling down on its campaign to educate the public about the risks of driving under the influence of cannabis, a report by CDOT suggests significant gaps in understanding about driving high, and it's not just the consumers who need a primer.
Through its partnership with Learn Brands, and after collecting nearly 1,000 survey responses over three years from industry employees including budtenders, CDOT found many in the cannabis industry were unaware of the duration of impairment after consumption, and the public is in the dark too, "Course participants expressed their surprise at how long the impairing effects can last, and believed that the general public is largely unaware of this as well," said Sam Cole, CDOT Traffic Safety Communications Manager, as obtained by CDOT, emphasizing the need for effective communication around the subject.
The guidelines by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are clear, even if they are just that, guidelines with specifics such as waiting at least six hours after smoking 35 mg of THC before driving, or eight hours after oral consumption of up to 18 mg of THC, though it's important to note the advice leans on the side of caution, "When in doubt, don't take the risk," as the safest bet is to avoid driving entirely after marijuana use.
There appears to be a general awareness among survey respondents that cannabis DUIs are possible and pack the same punch as their alcohol-related counterparts, but details around "legal limits," enforcement, and the consequence of mixing substances seem to slip through the cracks, "Impaired drivers in Colorado can be arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for substantial impairment or for Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) for being impaired to the slightest degree by cannabis, alcohol, or a combination of substances," according to CDOT, and that's irrespective of whether you've got a medical marijuana card, so best forget the notion of immunity on that front.
To promote safe celebrations this 420, CDOT is not just preaching to the choir but also providing incentives, resources are being allocated to encourage ride-sharing and alternative transportation, including a partnership with The Cannabis Experience for free downtown shuttle service and AAA Colorado furnishing booth attendees at the Mile High 420 Festival with ride credits, ensuring the festival's message doesn’t just go up in smoke.
