Driving Conflicts for Medical Marijuana Users

Driving Conflicts for Medical 
Marijuana Users

UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - For the increasing number of individuals who have a medical marijuana ID cards, conflicts are beginning to arise over what exactly those patients are protected from under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.

Issues with other laws, specifically motor vehicle laws, and how they intersect with the state's pot laws are creating a lot of gray areas.

"We have a quagmire where medical marijuana users are following the statute and following the law, and technically are not allowed to drive, even if they are not impaired," said Nichole Derks, a Lansing attorney with Foster Smith Collins & Swift.

The main question is whether someone complying with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act should be allowed to drive, said Derks.

A no doubt tough question to answer. But police say, regardless of the drug, it ultimately comes down to whether someone is operating a vehicle while visibly impaired.

"It doesn't really matter to us, whether or not you may legally possess this substance and legally may use it," said Lieutenant Greg Frenger, with the Meridian Township Police.

"If they're impaired, no matter what the substance, we're going to action."



ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Could Medical Marijuana users affect their driving? Find out on the next Beyond The Badge.

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