Everyone knows the perils of drinking and driving, so the few who choose to, according to Wally Seelye, a PASD Intervention Specialist, “are clearly aware of the risk they’re running, which is in contrast to those who smoke weed and drive.” Drugging and driving, especially with marijuana, is considered by some to be safe, and within the bounds of responsible motor vehicle behavior.

Unlike the physically addictive and more commonly tabooed drug heroin, marijuana is considered by some individuals to be the “safe” drug- sibling to tobacco, cousin to alcohol. Its supporters combat statements calling for its immediate and complete eradication, with scientific studies run proving its irrefutable place, in terms of health, among longtime legalized substances used both medically and recreationally. Backed by this research, and the knowledge that government funds will increase not only from taxing the drug, but also from the suspension of costly raids on growers, it is easy for some to argue that marijuana should be legalized. However, another fight must come into the fray. It is generally accepted that marijuana is no more harmful to the user than tobacco, even, some reports suggest less so. It’s important to discuss multiple scenarios to every issue, and in this, the people surrounding marijuana users need to be taken into consideration.

Marijuana is as unhealthful as smoking tobacco, and it’s up to the individuals using to decide if they want lung cancer. The problem with marijuana is that some consider it to be such a trivial drug that users think (or perhaps the antithesis of that) that there is no real need to be cautious when under its influence. Jumping behind the wheel and roaring off isn’t questioned, because, according to Mr. Seelye, “ it makes users slow down and relax, while still feeling as though they are in control of what they’re doing.” The most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S., marijuana’s effects include distorted perception, memory problems, loss of coordination, trouble thinking, increased heart rate, and loss of concentration. Apparently, these cognitive functions are of no importance to drivers.

Researchers from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) collected data showing epidemiological tests run indicating that cannabis is the most commonly found illicit drug in drivers involved in fatal accidents. Could a logical inference be that marijuana users are too reckless with the drug? No one in a fatal car crash means to harm, but one wrong decision and a driver’s life could change forever. If involved in a fatal car accident, a person found to be under the influence of marijuana is guilty of vehicular homicide.