To the Editor:

Marijuana is legal in Missouri, but driving a car, bus, truck, boat or motorcycle under its influence isn't. The bar for being DUI on marijuana in Missouri is stated as no level of THC is permitted while driving in Missouri. Alcohol diminishes from the system much quicker than marijuana. Using marijuana, you can be considered under the influence of marijuana weeks after using, or constantly under its influence if you use it 2 or more times per week. Even before marijuana was legalized the use of alcohol by drivers was trending down, while nighttime weekend drivers who tested positive for marijuana rose according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If that trend increases you will be encountering more drivers on the road who are impaired relative to their reaction times, balance, coordination, memory and judgment. Such impairment indices are important factors that diminish traffic safety. Down the road the tax revenue that comes into a community from marijuana sales will likely be tied to driving problems, crashes, and perhaps even fatalities. 
 
Mike Stuart
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Howell County News

110 W. Main St.,
Willow Springs, MO 65793
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