Medical Marijuana and Drugged Driving in Alabama: Everything You Need to Know

Using marijuana and marijuana products is illegal in every form in Alabama. Even children who use cannabidiol (CBD) to treat seizures must have special permissions. However, Mississippi has decriminalized first-time possession of small amounts of marijuana, and medical marijuana is legal in Florida.

As many states have adopted more lenient marijuana laws, Alabama created a 15-member medical cannabis commission to study the effects of medical marijuana in treating certain health conditions, with anticipated legislation coming in 2020. However, as more people become interested in medical marijuana, concern is rising over the risks of people who choose to drive under the influence.

In this blog, Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys outlines current Alabama’s marijuana legislation and what to do if you suspect you’ve been the victim of a drugged driving accident.

It’s Illegal to Drive Under the Influence of Marijuana

If someone decides to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana in Alabama, no matter how they obtain it or why they use it, they are subject to the penalties of Alabama’s drugged driving laws. In other words, there are no special passes for medical marijuana users who cross the border from other states.

Alabama has a zero-tolerance stance on drugged driving. If an officer pulls you over, administers a drug test, and finds traces of marijuana in your system, you may face serious drug charges.

RELATED ARTICLE: Did a Drunk or Drugged Driver Cause Your Crash? Here’s What You Need to Know

What to Do If You Are the Victim of Drugged Driving

Driving under the influence of marijuana is never safe or a good idea. Signs a driver is driving while high include:

• Lack of coordination and reaction time
• Poor short-term memory and concentration
• Poor perception of time and distance
• Red, bloodshot eyes
• The smell of marijuana or marijuana smoke

If you think someone is driving under the influence, you should call the authorities right away. If you’ve been hurt in an accident with someone you suspect is using marijuana, here’s what to do.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe, and Call the Authorities

The most important thing to do after a crash is to make sure everyone is safe and out of harm’s way. If someone is injured, call emergency medical services right away. It’s also in your best interest to call the authorities to generate a police report, which is extremely helpful for your case as it will list which driver is at-fault and if there is any suspected substance use. If you notice signs of drugged driving, be sure to mention it to the police on the scene so they can administer a roadside test or request bloodwork.

Get Medical Attention

We always recommend that victims seek medical attention after a crash, whether they think they’ve been hurt or not. A doctor can treat wounds before they have a chance to get worse. They can also diagnose hard-to-find injuries that would otherwise cause long-term damage if untreated — such as internal bleeding, mild traumatic brain injuries, or whiplash. Furthermore, medical records are valuable evidence if you need to take legal action against the negligent driver.

Consider Consulting With an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer

Drugged driving is a serious offense, and when you’ve been hurt because someone else made the reckless decision to drive while high, you deserve answers and justice. When you’re missing work, medical bills are piling up, and you’re unsure what to do next, you should speak with an attorney. They can offer advice on next steps, support you as you heal, and help you take steps to recover the damages you need to get your life back on track.

Hurt by a Drugged Driver? Contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Today

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we believe everyone deserves to be safe on the road, and someone else’s poor choices  shouldn’t affect you for the rest of your life. That’s why we’ve dedicated our careers to fighting for victims just like you.

If you need to speak with one of our skilled and experienced injury attorneys, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll meet with and get to know you, learn about your case, and offer sound legal advice on what to do next.

Please call (251) 888-8888 today or complete this brief and simple online form.

References

Drug Impaired Driving. Governors Highway Safety Association. Retrieved from https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/drug%20impaired%20driving

Gore, L. (2019, June 11). Medical marijuana isn’t legal in Alabama; Bill only establishes study. Alabama.com. Retrieved from https://www.al.com/news/2019/06/medical-marijuana-isnt-legal-in-alabama-bill-only-establishes-study.html

Lautieri, A. (2019, July 25). What Are the Signs that Someone Is High? American Addiction Centers. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/how-to-tell-if-someone-is-high

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.