Medical Pot Law No Defense For Michigan Drivers
TRAVERSE CITY (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan appeals court says the state's medical marijuana law doesn't shield people from prosecution if they are caught driving after using pot.
The decision released Wednesday is another significant ruling involving the 2008 law that allows marijuana for medicinal purposes. A three-judge panel ruled in favor of the prosecutor in Grand Traverse County and restored a criminal case against Rodney Koon.
A blood test revealed marijuana's active ingredient in Koon's body after he was stopped for exceeding the speed limit by nearly 30 mph. He was charged with having drugs in his system under Michigan's no-tolerance law, but two courts dismissed the charge, citing the medical marijuana law.
The appeals court said there's nothing in the law that gives immunity to people who use medical marijuana and drive.
Michigan's medical marijuana law has been the subject of much debate in the state since voters approved it in 2008. Some say the law is vague and confusing to doctors, patients and law enforcement.
Michigan was the 13th state to pass such legislation.
RELATED: Legislators Discuss Limiting Medical Marijuana Law
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