In early July, specialty retail stores across Washington State will begin selling marijuana for recreational use. In preparation for the event, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is launching a campaign to remind drivers that while recreational marijuana use may be legal, driving under the influence of pot continues to be illegal.

The appropriately named “Drive High, Get a DUI” campaign will be in conjunction with the already planned Summertime DUI emphasis patrols that the WTSC will start on July 1. As part of the campaign, the WTSC will air three ads that were used by the State of Colorado in their version of the drive high or get a DUI campaign. These ads show the ridiculousness of performing certain routine and simple acts while high and the comical (or tragic) results that follow:

• Grilling barbecue
• Shooting a free throw
• Installing a flat-screen television

The theme of the ads is that these activities are routine and simple (like driving). However, if you are high, the activities become very difficult and the individual under the influence of pot usually finds a way to mess things up.

Contact a King County DUI Attorney

With increased access to recreational marijuana, the Washington State Patrol is focusing on high drivers. The rules for driving under the influence of marijuana are similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. If you have a THC level above five nanograms, you will be presumed under the influence. However, even if your THC level is below 5 nanograms, you can be charged with a DUI if your driving is impaired by the marijuana use.

To learn more about the penalties for driving high in Washington, contact an attorney at Cowan Kirk Gaston Wolff by calling 1-866-822-1230.