Lawmaker Pushes For Bill That Sets DUI Limit For Marijuana

DENVER (CBS4)- One state lawmaker said Colorado needs a law to keep people high on marijuana from getting behind the wheel.

The state has no driving standard when it comes to marijuana. Rep. Claire Levy is sponsoring a bill that would set a DUI limit for marijuana.

Right now, if a police officer suspects you are under the influence of any drug, that officer conducts a sobriety test. If you're suspected of drinking, there is also a blood limit test, a more exact measure of how impaired you are.

If you are suspected of being under the influence of marijuana, there isn't a test to measure your level of impairment.

The test would work like this: 5 nanograms of THC would be the equivalent of a .08 blood alcohol level.

"It will be treated exactly like DUI with alcohol and all the same penalties apply," said Levy.

Marijuana advocates want a limit, but believe Levy's bill casts too wide a net. Regular users may fail the blood test even when they're not impaired.

"I think there is probably legitimate standard out there. It might be twice what they're currently proposing," said Sean McCallister at the Cannibis Law Center.

Levy insists science is on her side, and law enforcement is on board. The Attorney General, police and District Attorneys are among those lobbying for the bill.

Medical marijuana advocates have other concerns. They want to know how sanctions will work.

If you're convicted of an alcohol offense, you can get your license back with an ignition interlock installed on your car. There isn't an option for marijuana users yet.

Another concern is cost. Advocates insist the bill will add to court and DMV costs and Colorado's budget shortfall.

Levy disagreed with the financial impact, but doesn't have a fiscal impact statement yet.