DUI from Marijuana
Since marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the State of Florida, it should be no surprise that it is commonly detected in the blood or urine in forensic lab reports (sometimes in combination with other drugs or alcohol).
Unlike alcohol, marijuana does not act as a general central nervous system depressant, impairing functions throughout the body.
Nevertheless, the main psychoactive substance in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to have an impact on several functions of the brain.
The impact on brain function can sometimes impact the ability to drive safely and divide one’s attention when focusing on several things simultaneously such as balance, processing information, and following instructions.
Some research has shown that the consumption of marijuana can impair the ability to drive, although other studies show very little impact on safe driving when a suspect has recently consumed marijuana.
Traditional field sobriety exercises are not accurate or reliable when it comes to documenting impairment from marijuana. Even the government’s own research on marijuana caused NHTSA to conclude:
“It is difficult to establish a relationship between a person’s THC blood or plasma concentration and performance impairing effects. …
It is inadvisable to try and predict effects based on blood THC concentrations alone, and currently impossible to predict specific effects based on THC-COOH concentrations.”
Many people contact us after being arrested for DUI. In many of these cases, the person blew just under the legal limit or registered a 0.00 BAC reading which indicated that they had not consumed any alcohol.
In those cases, the arresting officer might request a urine or blood test because the officer suspected the driver was impaired by marijuana or another controlled substance.
Although both blood and urine tests can detect cannabinoids (THC and the metabolites of TCH), the results of these tests do very little to predict actual impairment at the time of driving.
DUID DUI Marijuana Attorneys in Tampa, FL
The blood or urine tests performed in Florida are very BAD at showing whether a driver is impaired by marijuana at the time of driving.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana or drugs in the greater Tampa Bay area for Tampa and Hillsborough County, FL, then contact an experienced DUID defense attorney to help you fight your charges.
The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm on the NORML Legal Committee fight for the reform of marijuana laws throughout Florida and the rest of the country.
A driver who is NOT impaired should not be convicted of DUI because of trace amounts of THC or other marijuana metabolites in their system.
Contact us to find out more about how we fight these difficult cases with the goal of getting the charges dropped completely.
Call 813-250-0500.
Forensic Lab Reports for THC
In Florida, the result of the blood test will typically show results for the following:
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- measured in ng/ML of blood
- the most prevalent compound of cannabis sativa
- produces most of the characteristic pharmacological effects of smoked marijuana
- 11-OH-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
- measured in ng/ML
- 11-Nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
- measured in ng/ML of blood
- often referred to as 11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ?-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC or THC-11-oic acid.
- This result indicates the presence of the main secondary and inactive metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol, which is formed in the body after cannabis is consumed.
In some cases, the lab report itself will provide the following comments:
- Delta-9 THC (Active Ingredient of Marijuana) – Peripheral Blood:
- Marijuana is a DEA Schedule I hallucinogen.
- Pharmacologically, it has depressant and reality-distorting effects.
- Collectively, the chemical compounds that comprise marijuana are known as Cannabinoids.
- Delta-9-THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient of marijuana/hashish.
- It rapidly leaves the blood, even during smoking, falling to below detectable levels within several hours.
- Delta-9-carboxy-THC (THCC) is the inactive metabolite of THC and may be detected for up to one day or more in blood.
- Both delta-9-THC and THCC may be present substantially longer in chronic users.
- THC concentrations in blood are usually about one-half of serum/plasma concentrations.
- Usual peak levels in serum for 1.75% or 3.55% THC marijuana cigarettes: 50 – 270 ng/mL at 6 to 9 minutes after beginning smoking, decreasing to less than 5 ng/mL by 2 hrs.
- 11-Hydroxy Delta-9 THC (Active Metabolite) – Peripheral Blood:
- 11-Hydroxy Delta-9 THC is an active intermediate metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the active
component of marijuana. Usual peak levels: Less than 10% of THC levels after smoking.
- 11-Hydroxy Delta-9 THC is an active intermediate metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the active
- Delta-9 Carboxy THC (Inactive Metabolite) – Peripheral Blood:
- Delta-9-THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient of marijuana/hashish.
- Delta-9-carboxy-THC (THCC) is the inactive metabolite of THC.
- The usual peak concentrations in serum for 1.75% or 3.55% THC marijuana cigarettes are 10 – 101 ng/mL attained 32 to 240 minutes after beginning smoking, with a slow decline thereafter.
- The ratio of whole blood concentration to plasma concentration is unknown for this analyte.
- THCC may be detected for up to one day or more in blood.
- Both delta-9-THC and THCC may be present substantially longer in chronic users.
- THCC is usually not detectable after passive inhalation.
Alleged Clues of Impairment in DUI Marijuana Cases
When the officer suspects impairment from marijuana, the officer is trained to write in the police report that the following “clues of impairment” were observed:
- confused look;
- lack of concentration;
- eyelid tremors;
- body tremors;
- lack of convergence;
- dry mouth;
- raised taste buds;
- green tongue; or
- leg tremors.
A medical expert will often tell you that these observations have nothing to do with marijuana impairment. Furthermore, these types of “clues” are completely subjective and rarely observed on any video taken at the scene.
For this reason, your attorney should file a motion to exclude any testimony about many of these observations since they are irrelevant to any issue in the case.
Urine and Blood Tests with Trace Levels of Cannabinoids after a DUI Arrest
Both urine and blood tests can detect cannabinoids for more than two (2) weeks after consumption for the casual user of marijuana or for up to one month for the chronic user of marijuana.
Different urine tests detect different types of metabolites of cannabis. The main active component of cannabis is a metabolite of delta-9-THC called 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acide (9-carboxy-THC).
Scientific studies show that more than 80 percent of the metabolite delta-9-THC is eliminated from the body within 5 days after marijuana is ingested.
If the arresting officer obtains a blood or urine sample in these cases, the FDLE Laboratory Report will show a result of “11-Nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol” only, which means. However, the person smoked marijuana in the past, it was NOT consumed within the 8 hour period before driving.
As a result, the attorney will file a motion in limine to exclude any mention of this test result since it is irrelevant to the issue of actual impairment at the time of driving and is unduly prejudicial since it shows someone used marijuana in the past.
Even the government’s own studies show that it is very difficult to accurately determine from a blood test for the presence of either THC and/or carboxy-THC in blood in a single sample for either of the following:
- impairment from marijuana; or
- even the last time marijuana was ingested.
According to page 107 of a recent NHTSA study on “Marijuana and Actual Driving Performance”:
“One of the program’s objectives was to determine whether it is possible to predict driving impairment by plasma concentrations of THC and/or its metabolite, THC-COOH, in single samples. The answer is very clear: it is not.
Plasma of drivers showing substantial impairment in these studies contained both high and low THC concentrations; and, drivers with high plasma concentrations showed substantial, but also no impairment, and even some improvement.”
Other publications recognize that retrograde or back-extrapolation is not an option due to the complex pharmacokinetic profile of THC. See Wille et al: Conventional and alternative matrices for driving under the influence of cannabis: Recent progress and remaining challenges at page 801.
THC in the Blood or Urine Does Not Always Prove Impairment or DUI
In most cases, urine testing is not a reliable method for measuring the level of THC in the driver’s system because the urine test can not pinpoint when the marijuana was consumed.
THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis which can linger in a person’s system long after the “high” or impairing effects have passed.
Even a single instance of smoking marijuana can leave metabolites in the urine for at least 10 days or even longer, depending on the quantity of marijuana consumed. Even if the level of THC is high, the driver could have smoked cannabis several days before driving when no impairment is possible.
Epidemiological data suggest that the risk of motor vehicle accidents after marijuana impairment is much lower than the risk of intoxicated driving after consuming alcohol.
In fact, the most comprehensive study shows that “culpability” for 3,400 motor vehicle accidents over a ten-year period shows that drivers with THC concentrations in the blood of less than 5 ng/mL have a risk of causing a vehicle accident that is no higher than that of driver’s with no drugs in their system.
Smoking marijuana rapidly transfers THC into the bloodstream. THC can reach the highest concentrations within five to ten minutes after marijuana is inhaled and can typically exceed more than 100 ng/mL. After marijuana is consumed, the THC levels in the blood quickly decrease to between one to four ng/ML within three hours.
For regular users of marijuana, blood serum can contain more than two mg/mL of THC even two days after marijuana is last consumed. Other studies show that even secondhand exposure to marijuana can cause THC to show up in the non-user’s system at a rate of several nanograms per milliliter.
How Long Does it Take for the Effects of Marijuana to Wear Off?
Many experts on the topic believe that the psychoactive effects of marijuana wear off completely within three to four hours after marijuana was consumed. The effects diminish to levels unexpected to cause any effect on driving after just two hours.
In many of these cases in which THC is detected in the blood or urine, an expert witness can be retained to testify that traces levels of cannabis found in the blood or urine exist even though the driver was not under the influence of marijuana at the time of the stop or arrest.
The graph below shows the expected rising and decreasing levels of THC and the metabolites THC-COOH and 11-OH-THC for a person who occasionally uses marijuana and then abstains from using marijuana for the next several days.
The calculations are shown after the person smokes only one marijuana cigarette that contains 34 mg of THC.
Fighting the DUI Marijuana Prosecution
In many of these Tampa DUI marijuana cases, a “Motion to Dismiss” the entire case can be filed when the only drug suspected is marijuana and insufficient evidence shows impairment from marijuana.
Additionally, a “Motion in Limine” can be filed to exclude any mention of the THC finding to the jury. In many of these cases, no connection can be made to show the driver was under the effects of marijuana at the time he was driving and stopped for DUI in Tampa, Florida.
The motion to dismiss or the motion in limine can also ask to exclude any evidence of finding THC or its metabolites in the blood or urine test.
In other words, if you smoked marijuana on Thursday and drove a vehicle on Saturday, the carboxy THC may be present in the urine after the stop, but it does nothing to prove that the driver was under the influence of marijuana at the time he was stopped for DUI.
False Positives for Marijuana
Additionally, many legal substances can cause a false positive in a urine test, including pain medications such as Excedrin IB, Motrin or Advil, or Aleve, over-the-counter supplements such as B2, hempseed oil, and riboflavin, and prescription medications such as Marinol or Dronabinol.
Even certain medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, or a kidney infection can lead to a false positive.
False positives are expected to increase as law enforcement officers do more breath testing in DUI marijuana cases.
Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows THC blood levels when marijuana is smoked or taken orally. When smoked THC is absorbed rapidly, but when consumed orally there is a delayed onset.
How does urine test or blood anaylsis or hair test show presence of marijuana / cannabis / pot / weed? – Article published in the Ther Drug Monit, Volume 28, Number 2, April 2006, entitled “Review of Biologic Matrices (Urine, Blood, Hair) as Indicators of Recent or Ongoing Cannabis Use” by Frank Musshoff and Burkhard Madea. This article discusses a documented case study of a subject testing positive for the presence of carboxy THC for 110 days after periods of monitored abstinence. Also shows evidence of subjects testing positive for marijuana (pot, weed, or cannabis) for 60-100 days after monitored abstinence after chronic use.
Problems with Marijuana and Field Sobriety Testing
In several recent cases, the courts have started throwing out any evidence of field sobriety exercises when the defendant is suspected only of marijuana use.
In a recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling, the Defendant was charged with the operation of a motor vehicle while under influence of marijuana. The criminal defense attorney for the defendant filed a motion for a Daubert–Lanigan hearing seeking to challenge the admissibility of evidence concerning his performance on field sobriety tests (FSTs) conducted after the stop.
The Supreme Judicial Court eventually held that:
-
- jurors could use their common sense in evaluating whether the defendant was impaired due to marijuana use;
- lay officer testifying to the defendant’s performance on FSTs that measured balance and coordination did not have to be qualified as an expert;
- the lack of consensus in the scientific community as to whether FSTs used to measure alcohol impairment also measure impairment from marijuana use did not necessitate the exclusion of results of such tests; and
- a lay officer could not offer an opinion as to the defendant’s sobriety or intoxication.
Commonwealth v. Gerhardt, SJC-11967, 2017 WL 4127666 (Mass. Sept. 19, 2017).
Jury Instruction for DUI Marijuana Cases with Field Sobriety Exercises
The Gerhardt court also found that another consequence of the lack of consensus regarding the FSTs is the fact that FSTs cannot be treated as scientific “tests” of impairment. For this reason, evidence of performance on FSTs alone is not sufficient to support a finding that a defendant’s ability to drive safely was impaired due to the consumption of marijuana.
The court developed the following model jury instructions for DUI cases involving the use of marijuana:
You heard testimony in this case that the defendant, at the request of a police officer, performed or attempted to perform various roadside assessments, such as [Here outline the nature of the evidence, e.g., walking a straight line, balancing on one foot].
These roadside assessments are not scientific tests of impairment by marijuana use. A person may have difficulty performing these tasks for many reasons unrelated to the consumption of marijuana.
It is for you to decide if the defendant’s performance on these roadside assessments indicate that his [her] ability to operate a motor vehicle safely was impaired. You may consider this evidence solely as it relates to the defendant’s balance, coordination, mental clarity, ability to retain and follow directions, ability to perform tasks requiring divided attention, and other skills you may find are relevant to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
It is for you to determine how much, if any, weight to give the roadside assessments. In making your determination, you may consider what the officer asked the defendant to do, the circumstances under which they were given and performed, and all of the other evidence in this case.
Finally, evidence of how a defendant performed in roadside assessments, standing alone, is never enough to convict a defendant of operating under the influence of marijuana.
Many criminal defense attorneys in Florida are filing motions to exclude or limit the types of testimony officers can give about field sobriety exercises in a case involving the consumption of marijuana.
Florida Statistics on Cannabis-Related Impaired Driving
Florida is changing the way it keeps track of marijuana-related impaired driving cases. New laws were passed in 2017, which required the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to establish baseline data on the number of marijuana-related traffic crashes and fatalities each year.
FDLE must track these new measures annually and submit a report by January 31 of each year on the evaluation of the campaigns to the Governor of Florida, the President of the Florida Senate, and the Florida Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Effective January 1, 2018, the DHSMV will require new data elements to be included on all crash reports, both short-form and long-form reports, utilizing the Florida Traffic Crash report (HSMV90010S). This data should be collected anytime a person involved in the crash tests positive for drugs.
A new Drug Test Result Data Collection document was created for crash reports submitted on paper to show when a person involved in a crash tested positive for drugs. The document is required if the field DRUG TEST RESULT is “1-positive.”
The 2017 Legislative Session, also resulted in the enactment of Section 381.989, Florida Statutes, which requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to implement a statewide Impaired Driving Education Campaign to raise awareness and prevent marijuana-related and cannabis-related impaired driving.
Finding a DUI Marijuana Lawyer in Hillsborough County, FL
Contact an attorney at the Sammis Law Firm for a DUID or DUI Cannabis case in the greater Tampa Bay area, including Tampa and Plant City in Hillsborough County, St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Pinellas County, Bartow and Lakeland in Polk County, Bradenton in Manatee County, Dade City and New Port Richey in Pasco County, FL.
We understand the complex issues raised in these cases, especially for field sobriety exercises and the results of a urine or blood test showing the presence of:
- Delta- 9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC);
- 11- OH-delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol; or
- 11- Nor-9- carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Call an experienced DUI defense attorney to find out how you can fight DUI marijuana cases.
Call 813-250-0500.
This article was last updated on Friday, August 17, 2024.
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