• 09
  • December
    2011

A recent study by the University of Colorado Denver is generating significant buzz over its conclusions regarding the legalization of medical marijuana and DUI fatalities.

Specifically, UC Denver researchers found that alcohol consumption among the high-risk 20-29 year-old age group dropped in the states that have legalized medical marijuana over the last 20 years, falling by as much as five percent. Furthermore, they found that traffic-related fatalities also dropped in these states by almost nine percent.

"Our research suggests that the legalization of medical marijuana reduces traffic fatalities through reducing alcohol consumption by young adults," said Daniel Rees, one of the study's authors and a professor of economics at UC Denver.

In order to explain why traffic-fatalities may have declined in these states, the CU-Denver researchers pointed to earlier studies designed to compare the performance of drunk drivers and stoned drivers in a simulator.

In the simulator, drunk drivers were found to lack a true understanding of how badly their driving skills were impaired, and, as a result, were more prone to engage in risky behavior and drive faster.

Conversely, drivers under the influence of marijuana were found to be far more aware of the impact that the drug had on their driving skills, causing them to engage in far less risky behavior and drive at lower speeds.

Another possible explanation advanced by the CU-Denver researchers for the traffic fatality figures was that those who consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car often do so after a night of socializing at a local bar or restaurant. Marijuana users on the other hand, regardless of whether using the drug for medicinal or recreational purposes, often do so in the privacy of their own homes and often don't leave out of fear of social judgment and/or arrest.

Whatever the reasoning, marijuana advocates were understandably supportive of the findings.

"Every objective study on marijuana has concluded that it is far safer than alcohol for the user and society," said Mason Tvert, of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, a pro-legalization group. "It should come as little surprise that when we allow adults to make the safer choice to use marijuana it results in less drinking and fewer alcohol-related problems."

Stay tuned for more developments from our Denver criminal defense blog ...

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Source:

The Colorado Independent, "CU study: Medical marijuana saves lives" Nov. 30, 2011