Driving under the influence of marijuana is a crime in Maine. This article explains the penalties imposed for DUI violations, but other laws regarding marijuana possession may also apply to drivers and passengers. Also, while Maine allows medical marijuana use under limited circumstances, it is still a crime to drive after such use if the driver’s mental or physical faculties are impaired
Yes, you can get a DUI in Maine from driving while under the influence of marijuana. Usually officers can tell if your under the influence by your driving habits, which are similar to drunk drivers. What determines if someone is too high to drive is in the air right now in Maine. Breathalyzers for marijuana are iffy at best, and no set illegal limit for THC in the blood system makes marijuana DUI convictions difficult, but still possible in Maine.
You can get a DUI if you smoke marijuana and drive while high. Some refer to this as stoned driving. Police officers receive training to identify individuals who may be high. Sings that indicate an individual has been using marijuana include blood shoot eyes, loss of coordination, loss of mortar skills, and smell. If a police officers suspects a driver of marijuana intoxication that police officer might ask the driver to complete a series of road side sobriety test. If the police officer suspects marijuana intoxication the suspect can be detained and required to submit a blood sample to measure the individuals intoxication level. Several problems arise with this procedure as high levels of thc in the blood stream does not necessarily mean the driver is intoxicated at that very moment as thc metabolites can last up to 45 days. Second main concern is requiring a blood sample may be against federal law depending on how a state interprets those laws.
It’s always the best practice to never drive while inebriated in any fashion, whether you’ve had a few beers, a joint, or model airplane glue – never get behind the wheel after catching a buzz! They can’t catch you if you don’t break the law, plus – why endanger yourself or others in the process? Moral of the story is Never drive impaired.