Any preparation of cannabis sativa can be defined as marijuana. Marijuana, in turn, can be referred to as pot, weed, grass, reefer etc. and can be smoked in a pipe or rolled into a cigarette. It is the oldest known drug aside from alcohol. Marijuana acts with sedative and hallucinogenic symptoms on the central and cardiovascular systems. Thus, in low or high doses of the drug, it creates a disruption of the thought process. It has been shown that marijuana can cause dilation of the eye, increased heart rate, tightness in the chest and the lack of muscle coordination.
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Dangers from the use of marijuana are extremely relevant when a driver is under its influence. Officers will look for many of the same symptoms that are involved in a DUI alcohol. Rate of motor vehicle deaths and accidents related to drugs (specifically marijuana) has increased over the past few years. Thus, some police officers undergo the Drug Evaluation and Classification Training Program, “DRE” for short. Those who undergo this program are meant to learn how to evaluate when an individual is under the influence of drugs. They learn that marijuana interferes with an individual’s ability to pay attention.
The DRE Test
In order for a DRE to determine if a driver is under the influence of a drug, there is a twelve-step test that must be given. Step one consists of the officer administering the breath-alcohol test to the driver. In the next step an oral examination is given. This examination is also a time for the officer to take note of the drivers overall appearance. Something that the officer really looks for during this phase is if the driver seems to be overly anxious while also taking note of the drivers’ complexion and smell. The rest of the steps are very similar to the test given when determining the influence of alcohol. Once the examination is finished and recorded the officer will make a determination of the influence of drugs.
Salcido Law Firm – Defending Against All Pot Crimes
The criminal defense attorneys at the law office of Salcido Law Firm know and understand how to examine a DRE to determine if he or she administered the tests appropriately. If you were examined by a DRE and were charged with a drug crime such as possession of marijuana or driving with a measurable amount of a controlled substance, call the law firm of Salcido Law Firm at 801.618.1334 to find out how we can help you defend against such charges. We provide DUI defense services.
