CDOT warns potential dangers of driving under the influence ahead of 420 weekend

The Colorado Department of Transportation warned drivers about the potential dangers — both physically and legally — of driving under the influence of Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC) from cannabis ahead of April 20, the unofficial holiday celebrated by marijuana supporters. 

"Although the number of people who report driving after using cannabis is down, in 2022 there were 101 traffic deaths in Colorado that involved cannabis above the legal limit," the department said. 

Plenty of cannabis-related events and festivities will be held throughout the Denver metro on "420," including the Mile High 420 Festival at Civic Center Park.

Transportation officials noted that the legal limit of Delta 9 THC in a driver's blood in Colorado is five nanograms or more per milliliter in the whole blood, and individuals can be arrested by law enforcement if they are operating a vehicle and are seemingly impaired by any drug, including cannabis and its host of other THC deliverables.

This can lead to a driving under the influence citation, with fines from $200 to $1,500, the transportation department said, adding that additional fees can hike the fiscal cost of a DUI up to more than $13,500.

Colorado State Patrol said it is well aware of the potential increase in impaired drivers during the 420 weekend, bolstering its fleet along with 73 other law enforcement agencies during the "Heat Is On Spring Events" DUI enforcement period from April 4-24.

The additional coverage of officers and sobriety checkpoints will reach its grand finale this 420 weekend. 

“This spring, remember: the sun is out and so is law enforcement,” CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk said in a press release. “Make the responsible choice if you’ve been consuming alcohol or cannabis — put down the keys and plan a sober ride. Your decision could prevent a fatal crash and save lives.”

Along with the awareness surrounding possible DUIs, CDOT pointed out that people celebrating the "holiday" should:

• Wait at least six hours after smoking cannabis containing less than 35 mg of THC before driving or performing other safety-sensitive activities. If a person smoked more than 35 mg, the person needs to wait longer.

• Wait at least eight hours after eating or drinking cannabis containing less than 18 mg of THC before driving. If an individual has eaten more than 18 mg, that person should wait longer.

• If a person is mixing cannabis with alcohol, that person needs to wait even longer.

• Given these long wait times, it is always best to plan ahead for a sober ride home.

“It is a big week for marijuana consumers in Colorado, and we want to prevent anyone from getting behind the wheel if they’ve been consuming cannabis, alcohol or other drugs,” Lingk said. “We’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly. Driving high is illegal, and any amount of impairment puts you at risk for a DUI.”