A.G. Gancarski
A bill filed Thursday in the Florida House proposes to impose DUI penalties for drivers or boaters with a certain amount of THC in their blood samples.
The timing of the measure from West Palm Beach Democrat David Silvers is interesting, coming as the state expands its medical marijuana program.
House Bill 237 — the “Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Act” — proposes a threshold of 5 nanograms or more of THC per milliliter of blood to constitute DUI.
There has been scientific pushback against such blood testing for THC, a fat-soluble compound that is absorbed differently than alcohol, being a reliable measure of impairment.
The law, if passed, would go into effect in October.
It is the second interesting piece of drug-related legislation from a South Florida Democrat this session, following up on Rep. Kristin Jacobs‘ proposed kratom ban.
