Studies show that THC remains in bloodstream for up to 30 days

While alcohol is considered the number one cause of impaired driving accidents, studies have shown that cannabis use is also on the rise, with new research showing that the drug can be detected in the bloodstream for up to 30 days after intake.

Studies undertaken by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry revealed that cannabinoids can be found in the blood of daily smokers a month after ingesting the drug, with some scientists and accident lawyers suggesting that drivers could be erroneously charged with operating a vehicle under its influence. The data contained in the report also showed that five nanograms of THC, the ingredient that causes a psychoactive reaction in users, would be enough to fail a standard sobriety test when administered.

"These data have never been obtained previously due to the cost and difficulty of studying chronic daily cannabis smoking over an extended period," said Dr. Marylin Huestis of the National Institutes of Health and lead author on the paper. "These data add critical information to the debate about the toxicity of chronic daily cannabis smoking."

According to a recent study of impaired driving and related accidents, in 2009 12.8 percent of young adults tested positive for drugs while operating a vehicle, while the 2007 National Roadside Survey found that more drivers had drugs in their system than those with alcohol. Both of these stimulants can have an effect on driving skills, even if there has been a period of abstinence.

However, with concentrations of THC detectable days later, the study suggested that establishing 'per se' legislation could achieve a reduction in the amount of accidents and fatal injuries. This could be based upon existing state laws relating to the prosecution of alleged drunk drivers, especially those diagnosed with persistent neurocognitive impairment.

Legislation regarding marijuana use by motorists is being discussed in Colorado, with drivers recording five nanograms considered to be operating a vehicle under the influence, and likely to be ticketed in the same way as one driving with alcohol in their bloodstream. According to the Huffington Post, supporters of tougher DUI laws on cannabis smokers see a correlation between impaired driving and regular users of the substance.

"This is a public safety issue," said Republican Mark Waller, co-sponsor of the Colorado bill. "It is never okay to get behind the wheel and put citizens' lives at risk. This bill will make people think twice about doing that."

Voters in Colorado, along with Washington State, recently passed legislation relating to recreational use of cannabis, and with a number of states also introducing more lenient medical marijuana laws, accident attorneys feel that driver privileges could be affected without due cause.

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