1. Marijuana has been legalized in several states. Some people believe this has
ID: 3447298 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Marijuana has been legalized in several states. Some people believe this has resulted in an increase of impaired drivers on the road and that traffic fatalities have increased as a result. While some drug tests taken at the scene of accidents do indicate the presence of marijuana, such tests only reveal that the drug has been used -- they do not indicate actual intoxication, as indicators of marijuana use can stay in the system for days or even weeks after actual use. This is unlike alcohol, where a roadside test is a clear indicator in most cases of intoxication. What are some likely ethical issues arising from such testing? If people are using marijuana for medical reasons, they will most likely test positive for the drug's presence all the time, yet they will need to be able to drive. How can a "legal limit" be reasonably set if intoxication is not measured by certain tests?
Explanation / Answer
One cannot judge one's own level of impairment. Any amount of marijuana consumption puts you at risk of driving impaired. If a substance has impaired the ability to operate a motor vehicle it is illegal for you to be driving, even if that substance is prescribed or legally acquired.
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