Marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in Colorado since 2012, and while it may be legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal and carries significant penalties. In fact, Colorado has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to driving under the influence of marijuana. In this article, we'll explore the penalties associated with driving under the influence of marijuana in Colorado.

First and foremost, it's important to understand what "under the influence" means in Colorado. Unlike alcohol, which has a clear legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), marijuana does not have a specific limit. This is because the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, affects everyone differently, and there is no clear consensus on how much THC is too much to drive safely. Instead, law enforcement officers rely on a combination of field sobriety tests and blood tests to determine whether a driver is under the influence of marijuana.

If a driver is pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana, they will be asked to submit to a blood test. If the test shows that the driver has five nanograms or more of THC per milliliter of blood, they will be considered impaired and subject to penalties.

The penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana in Colorado are severe. A first-time offense can result in a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and a nine-month license suspension. In addition, the driver will be required to complete a drug and alcohol education course, and may be required to perform community service.

For a second offense, the penalties increase significantly. The fine can be up to $1,500, and the driver may face up to one year in jail. The license suspension can be for up to two years, and the driver will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. This device requires the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before the car will start, and can be expensive to install and maintain.

A third offense carries even harsher penalties. The fine can be up to $1,500, and the driver may face up to one year in jail. The license suspension can be for up to two years, and the driver will be required to install an ignition interlock device for up to two years. In addition, the driver may be required to undergo substance abuse treatment.

It's also worth noting that if a driver causes an accident while under the influence of marijuana, they may face additional criminal charges and civil liability for any injuries or property damage that result from the accident.

While marijuana may be legal for recreational use in Colorado, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal and carries significant penalties. If you choose to consume marijuana, it's important to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements for transportation if you need to travel. Not only is it safer, but it can also help you avoid the serious consequences that come with a DUI conviction.