Denver Personal Injury Attorneys Representing You in Your Marijuana-Influenced Accident Case

Everyone knows Colorado was one of the first states in the country to legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes. Many people are quick to point out the positive impact this has had on the state. Colorado’s GDP went up by 4.4% in 2015, one year after marijuana sales became legal. This pattern has continued, increasing by 2.4% in 2016, 3.1% in 2017, and 3.5% in 2018. As a result, legal marijuana represents a $2 billion a year industry for Colorado.

Meanwhile a study conducted by the University of Colorado—Boulder found marijuana legalization has helped individuals suffering from chronic pain and anxiety, and is beneficial for cancer patients. The same study also found that, among those who exercise regularly, cannabis increased motivation and recovery time. Those individuals also tend to have lower body mass indexes and smaller waistlines.
However, much of this good news is tailored to avoid reporting bad news. Because the explosion of marijuana dispensaries in Denver has had such a positive economic impact, many people are reluctant to explore the negative results. However, this is evidence to show the increased number of dispensaries has led to an increase in traffic accidents.

What Has Been the Negative Impact of Marijuana Dispensaries in Denver?

Many of these same studies have also found marijuana is having a negative impact on Colorado. Additionally, other independent studies intended to monitor marijuana’s potential ill effects have uncovered similar results.

Research by professor of neuroscience Tiffany Ito uncovered that, among young adults, regular marijuana use leads to increased alcohol consumption. This can translate into poor grades, later graduation, and more of the reckless behavior associated with alcohol intoxication.

This includes reckless driving. Reckless driving leads to an increase in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), or car crashes. In fact, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) commissioned a study to explore the impact of marijuana on traffic fatalities and impaired driving. The study found that following legalization:

• Marijuana-related MVA fatalities increased by 151%
• The number of people killed in marijuana-related car crashes increased by over 50%
• An average of 2.5 people die every week in Colorado in marijuana-related car crashes

What are the Laws Regarding Driving and Marijuana Use in Denver?

Because of its potentially intoxicating effects, marijuana is treated similarly to alcohol when it comes to operating a motor vehicle. There are strict laws in place to regulate the use of marijuana and driving. These laws include:

• Drivers with 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood can be prosecuted for DUI.
• Neither drivers nor passengers are allowed to use marijuana products in a car, even when parked
• Even if a driver is not actively using marijuana, he or she can still be charged with an offense if an officer finds evidence of recent use in the car.
• A prescription for marijuana from a licensed doctor is not an excuse to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence

Despite these laws, many people choose to drive under the influence of marijuana. This is especially a problem for dispensaries which allow people to use marijuana on-site. These dispensaries are similar to bars in that they have “budtenders” who serve customers. These customers spend time socializing in the dispensary and using marijuana.

Budtenders have many of the same responsibilities are traditional bartenders. This includes monitoring a patron’s levels of intoxication. If a budtender notices a patron has become impaired, they are expected to cut off further access to marijuana. They are also expected to help arrange a safe ride home for the patron.

Unfortunately, as with bars, many patrons still leave intoxicated. A budtender may not notice a patron’s level of intoxication due to being distracted by other customers. A patron may also be able to hide their true level of intoxication from others. Other budtenders may simply ignore their responsibility. This results in intoxicated dispensary patrons driving under the influence. A 2023 survey found 41% of clients of a popular dispensary chain reported driving under the influence of marijuana after leaving the store. This translates into a higher likelihood of both fatal and non-fatal car crashes.

What Should I Do if I or a Loved One Has Been Hit by an Intoxicated Driver?

Being hit by someone under the influence of marijuana is the same as being hit by a drunk driver. As with bars, the likelihood of being hit by some under the influence of marijuana is higher in areas around dispensaries that allow on-site use. As the number of these dispensaries in Denver increases, so does the possibility of being hit.

If you or a loved one has been in a car crash because the other driver was under the influence of marijuana, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The attorneys at Genco Injury Attorneys specialize in cases involving MVAs/car wrecks. We’re located at 201 Milwaukee Street, Unit 200, Denver CO 80206, a quarter-mile north of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and one mile east of the Denver Country Club.

Our attorneys have worked with large firms and seen firsthand the lack of connection to clients. We bring a personal touch to every case and pride ourselves on a fast response time and staying in touch for every step of the process. We pride ourselves on our personal, honest, and open relationships with each and every client.

Our biggest goal is to make sure you and your loved ones get the compensation you deserve for injuries, pain, and suffering, so you can get better and feel healthy again. We bring a high level of compassion and personal care to every case. We’re only happy with and feel good about our cases if our clients are happy.

Just because marijuana is legal in Colorado doesn’t mean that driving under the influence is. As the number of dispensaries in Denver increases, so does the potential for marijuana related car crashes in these areas. You and your loved ones don’t deserve to suffer. If you or a family member have been hit by a driver intoxicated by marijuana, don’t hesitate to contact Genco Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation at 720-802-9120
.