AAA Opposes Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Maryland

February 17, 2021

AAA Mid-Atlantic declared opposition Tuesday to legislation that would allow adults to consume recreational cannabis in Maryland. The auto club points to data showing increased accidents, fatalities, and car insurance rates in Western states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Colorado saw the number of road fatalities involving cannabinoid, alone or with other drugs or alcohol, jumped over 150 percent from 2013 to 2017. In Washington state, the fatalities doubled in a more recent study. None of the states mentioned match Maryland’s population density, which is currently fifth in the country.

The study also raised concerns over police training and methods to determine cannabis-caused impairment. There are currently no studies that can correlate “active THC” in the bloodstream to visible signs of worsened driving or field-testing instruments to gauge the level of consumption, like BAC with alcohol. AAA does encourage the Maryland legislature to create a new impairment test for drivers, expand open container laws to include cannabis products and devices, and invest in public messaging to deter driving while using cannabis. 

At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we bring our experience to each injury case. We can walk you through the process and represent you through all phases. We will do the investigating and make sure your side of the story gets heard. As the laws change, we are prepared to follow new regulations and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable and get you all the compensation you deserve.

Our team of car accident lawyers in Maryland are ready to help you start your case. For a free consultation, call us at 800-547-4Law or contact us online. We are happy to serve our fellow Marylanders, from Baltimore and the Beltway suburbs, to the Eastern Shore and the Western Counties.