Dangers of Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Highlighted on Colorado’s Unofficial ‘Marijuana Day’ by Officials

On April 20th, Denver’s Civic Center Park was packed with thousands of cannabis enthusiasts celebrating the annual “420” holiday.

Among the crowds was the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), working to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis. The origins of the number 420 in cannabis culture are traced back to a group of teenagers in California who would smoke marijuana every day at 4:20 p.m. The term “420” caught on and became a symbol of cannabis culture, leading to the holiday celebrated on April 20th.

CDOT Uses Contests and Quizzes to Educate Festival-Goers About the Risks of Driving High

To educate festival attendees about the risks of driving under the influence of cannabis, CDOT engaged with them through a series of contests and quizzes, awarding rideshare credits to participants who correctly answered questions related to cannabis history, DUI laws, and the physiological effects of cannabis on driving.

CDOT has been working to raise awareness about the dangers of drugged driving since 2014, following the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado. In addition to engaging with the public at events like the Mile High 420 Festival, CDOT also conducted a two-year public engagement campaign called the Colorado Cannabis Conversation, which sought input from over 20,000 cannabis consumers on their beliefs and attitudes towards marijuana and driving.

Recently, CDOT launched an online training course for cannabis industry workers on the Learn Brands platform. The course has already been completed by 557 industry workers and is now available to the general public.

Impaired Driving Responsible For One-Third of Road Fatalities in Colorado

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a significant problem in Colorado, with impaired driving involved in about one-third of all road fatalities in the state. Deaths involving a driver who tested above the legal limit for active THC increased by 58% between 2020 and 2021, and since 2019, fatalities involving a driver impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two have increased by almost 60%.

While alcohol remains the most common impairing substance, marijuana impairment and marijuana in combination with alcohol are also significant contributors to the problem. An analysis of DUI case filings in 2019 found that 68% of individuals with detected Delta-9 THC also had another substance present, with alcohol being the most common co-occurring substance.

CDOT’s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drugged driving are crucial to keeping Colorado’s roads safe, particularly as new cannabis consumers continue to enter the population. CDOT’s participation in the Mile High 420 Festival and other events provides an opportunity to engage with the public and spread their message.

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