Is Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Illegal in Minneapolis?

Yes, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in Minneapolis. Even as attitudes toward marijuana shift across the country, remember that Minnesota law does not tolerate impaired driving. This means that even if you’re legally using marijuana for medical reasons, driving under its influence could still lead to severe consequences. Law enforcement treats driving under the influence of marijuana just as seriously as alcohol-related DUIs, with similar penalties that can significantly impact your life.

Understanding Marijuana DUI Laws in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, driving under the influence of marijuana is treated just as seriously as driving under the influence of alcohol. While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% in Minnesota, there is no equivalent limit for marijuana impairment. Instead, law enforcement officers rely on their observations and the results of field sobriety tests to determine impairment.

Marijuana affects individuals differently, and its impairment effects can vary depending on factors such as the strain of marijuana, the consumption method, and the individual’s tolerance level. This makes it challenging to establish a standardized measurement for marijuana impairment, like the BAC limit for alcohol.

To assist in determining marijuana impairment, law enforcement officers may call upon drug recognition experts (DREs). These experts have specialized training to identify and evaluate individuals impaired by drugs. DREs conduct a series of physical and cognitive tests to assess a driver’s impairment level. However, the DRE evaluation is not foolproof and can still be subjective, leading to potential inaccuracies.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

Being convicted of a marijuana DUI in Minneapolis can have serious and long-lasting consequences. For a first-time offense, you could be facing:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Up to 90 days in jail
• License suspension for up to 90 days
• Mandatory attendance at a substance abuse education program

The penalties can increase dramatically for repeat offenses or cases involving aggravating factors (such as having a minor in the car or causing an accident while under the influence), including longer jail sentences, heavier fines, and longer license suspensions.

Defending Against a Marijuana DUI Charge

If you’re facing marijuana DUI charges, it’s vital to know that you have options. There are several defenses that our attorneys can explore on your behalf, including:

• Challenging the validity of the field sobriety tests
• Questioning the officer’s observations or the use of a Drug Recognition Expert
• Highlighting the limitations of blood tests in proving actual impairment

If you are a medical marijuana patient, you may have a valid defense if you can demonstrate that your use was in line with medical treatment and did not impair your ability to drive.

Protect Your Future with Skilled Minneapolis Drug Defense Attorneys

When facing a marijuana DUI charge, having the right legal team can make all the difference. At Wolfgram Law Firm, we focus on defending drug-related offenses, including DUIs involving marijuana. Our team understands the complexities of Minnesota DUI laws and will carefully assess the details of your case to build a strong defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the validity of the tests or negotiating to reduce the charges, we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. To get started, call 612-333-1125 or visit our website to arrange a consultation. Let us stand by your side and help you through this difficult time.