This January 1st marks an especially happy new year for many in Colorado who will be making the most of the new state law that allows Colorado residents and non-residents to legally purchase and use marijuana. Don’t go routing loads through Colorado just yet though – just because pot is now legal, doesn’t mean you can smoke it.
Employers in Colorado may still use a positive drug test as a reason to enforce penalties including job termination. This is true for all employers in Colorado, but non-trucking companies may decide not to drug test their employees.
For an on-duty truck driver, pot will still inebriate you, meaning that you will be driving under the influence. More than that though, even if you use marijuana when you’re off-duty, testing positive on a drug test can and will jeopardize your career.
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Source: fleetowner
Ray says
It’s also expensive. On the news they mentioned $50 dollars an ounce or $800 a pound. It will be interesting to see where this leads.
robert says
Fifty an ounce, is hella cheap. How much do you need? You sound like cheech too me.
Ray says
You must not be living on a drivers wage.
Ray says
Heh, well the latest update from CNN is that pot is going for $50 for 1/8 of an ounce. I’m not sure how they call that legalization.
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2014/01/03/ac-miguel-pot.cnn.html
George says
As much as I’d like to see pot decriminalized and taxed heavily so that the government can make the money in place of the drug dealers, I hope we never see the day where it’s legal to be intoxicated while driving a CMV.
Daniel R Kupke Sr says
Come-on George
U think that just because it’s legal now there will be all these buzzed drivers ?? That would be suicide ect ect just likr drunk driveing ?? I believe that since it is legal now that non of these companys should have the right to hang u for “”TRACES”” of it on a random drug test ?? I’m not saying that u could be stoned dureing the test but if u had smoked it over the weekend n had 24 hours away from it before u drive that u would still be legal ?? Just like the drunk driveing standards ??
Bill says
You have to remember that just because Colorado legalized this drug that doesn’t make it truly legal. It is still illegal at the federal level and and the states fall under federal regulation when it comes to the DOT and commercial vehicles. So this law means nothing to us. Not that I care about smoking pot. Never really interested me.
Scott Sr. says
I personally don’t like drugs and am one of the few from my generation that has never took a hit. However this just opens the door for us to weed out; pardon the pun, the less desirable drivers for example those who get drunk and leave bottles, cans and boxs all over truckstops.
Cary Davis says
So you don’t like drugs is very vague. If some government entity says a drug is legal for medical purposes, regardless of the proven health hazards and side affects of that drug, you are good with that? What about the countless medical studies proving the benefits of cannabis for cancer patients and a multitude of other chronic illnesses? If there is something out there to help these people should we not give them releif, or do we just let them suffer? Were it YOU who were chronically ill and the doctor recommended that cannabis would releieve you unbearable side effects of your illness, would you be less likely to condemn since you were the one now benefiting?
Billy says
According to pot heads everyone has cancer, far from the truth. Recreational weed is not medical as a recreational high is not the benefit that medical use pot is used for.
Simply you want to use it accept the consequences of that choice.
ConcernedCitizen says
Prior to around 1900 cannabis was legal worldwide. It is a very useful industrial crop that is going to waste thanks to silly laws. Cannabis is far safer for recreational users than tobacco or alcohol. Look into the history of how cannabis became illegal. Would you believe the AMA didn’t want it illegal?
That being said, yes cannabis can influence your ability to operate heavy machinery. It is why despite my beliefs that cannabis should be legal, it should also not be used while driving or prior to driving. Use it at home folks.
Jockamo says
Using your logic and analogy everyone who takes pain pills are “pill heads” and addicts. Or more succinctly, most pill takers claim they have legitimate pain, also FAR from the truth (again, using YOUR analogy). WHat exactly is “recreation weed?” Weed is weed and the medical community has ruled it has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. You obviously are painfully unaware that medicinal pot is one of the most sought-after types of pot because of the high concentrations of THC and that the high is most certainly what it is prescribed for in many circumstances. For example, the high relaxes the person which in turn relaxes the body which in turn relaxes the muscles and stops spasms and in many cases, seizures from certain maladies. I don’t smoke but I am educated on the subject. Simply accept the consequences of your own comments: you’re biased, end of story.
Scott Sr. says
Wow you have really taken my comment out of context. I said I personally don’t like drugs. My mother was an addict of many things and my childhood suffered because of that. I didnt bring any of that to the table just like you should have takrn my comment out of the original context. My poimt was simple, it is illegal to use a mind altering substance and drive hints why many medications; or if you prefer I use the term drugs, that are legal but have an altering effect on the mind are illegal to use while operating a motor vehicle. That was the basis for my statement but I agree with ConcernedCitizen that yes cannabis has very good uses but should not be used prior to or while driving especially a large commercial vehicle such as a semi truck. I would rather deal with pot heads than drunks. As the saying goes in my generation, a drunk will run over a child at 75mph in a 25mph zone where a pot head will roll into a parked car while beliving he was in park.
If you feel this was an attack on you it was a valid rebuttle to pointless remark you made to my comment. I will happily debate this topic heavily with you if you like just link me to a post you make in the forums.
allen says
actually that is incorrect about the medications are illegal to take while operating a motor vehicle, it states it may make you sleepy so don’t drive or operate heavy machinery, not that its illegal to take it just make sure of the effects on you before you use or don’t use. Make the crap legal quit spending money on the b.s. people can buy alcohol, and other medications with a scrip and its legal.
Bill says
There are currently 21 states that already allow medicinal marijuana as long as you register with that state. So that is a mute argument. I love people who argue they should make it legal in order to “help” those who need it and all the medical benefits pot provides. Admit it bro. You just want to get high.
Steve LaFleur says
Even if weed was legalized on every state level and eventually on a Federal Level, the FMCSA will never change their stance on drug use within the industry. Since marijuana is the one thing that resides in metabolites for the longest period of time, non-use among CDL holders is the standard, and will never change.
If you want to smoke pot, even in your free time, you will eventually fail a drug test and then things get ugly. We discuss this in depth at TTR.
lonestar Jimi says
Actually that’s incorrect..the trucking companies would remove it from panel test as it could be used in lawsuits against companies as a violation of privacy. Also considering that once more states allow recreation marijuana use it will be very difficult for companies to offer two sets of drug testing guidelines for transportation and non transportation employees
Stephanie says
My question has always been about the testing. With alcohol, they test and know if you are currently drunk. But with pot, it still shows up 30 days or more later. If it’s legal there should be a way to test if you are actually under the influence. I’m not a pot smoker, but I might partake during my 34 hour reset or during home time if they were able to rest for the current situation. I do enjoy a beer from time to time while I’m on home time. I am responsible enough to know drinking and driving anything is a no no. I don’t do it. I don’t drink if I’m going to be in the truck at all in a 24 hour period or more. I’m not a big drinker any way. I just know that there needs to be better testing. If someone smokes on Friday, Monday they are not still high. But they sure will test positive on a drug test…
ConcernedCitizen says
Technically a police officer can tell if someone is unable to drive safely without any drug tests. The issue is police officers (and companies) will test for drugs and if any shows up they will fire you if you can’t prove you have a legal right to them (say a prescription). It’s unfair in my opinion but that is how it is and how it will remain for some time to come.
Jockamo says
No, technically a cop can NOT tell if someone is unable to drive safely without any drug tests (the exception being an obvious drunk via a breathalyzer test or failed sobriety test). A cop can offer his OPINION and go with that but the proof is found in how many DUIs are overturned every year. It’s called “lack of evidence.” An officer’s mere opinion is not evidence and will not stand up in a court of law because the officer simply “can tell” if someone is under the influence. Here’s how that can go.
Judge: How do you know the suspect was under the influence of something?
Officer: I can tell.
Judge: Do you have any evidence?
Officer: Technically, I can just tell.
Judge: Case dismissed.
JOHN says
I agree stephanie…there needs to be a better way to test for THC. With it staying in your system so long..it’s not right to say..you are stoned.So many more people would be working if they fixed the problem..I think it’s just a scam..though up by some college educated nut.I’m not saying that you should smoke a joint..then drive a big truck..no more than drinking a six pack,then drive. It is a way for the goverment to controll your life!
pete says
Pot is a lot safer to use then alcohol. People have died from alcohol. No body has every died from smoking weed.
I believe that if you can drink alcohol during your time off, then you should be aloud to smoke a joint.
I live in CO. and it smells like fresh buds everywhere you go.
Pot doesn’t give you a hangover.
Also it will keep people from duing pills and other illicit drugs…..it should be legal in every state.
It would be a way to get our Government out of debt.
It would create 1000’s of jobs…
People need to smoke a joint and get a reality check.
It was put here on this planet to be used.
Industrial Hemp does not contain THC and should also be farmed in the USA….
Mark says
I smell a lawsuit coming. If something is legal you should be able to partake in it. When you are off duty that is. I’ve read that they are already implementing a test that can tell if you’ve smoked in the last few hours. Who cares if a driver a pilot or a surgeon smoke a joint if they are at home off duty and not on call. It’s no worse than drinking. Enough double standards for drivers and everyone else!
DaveR says
If ‘anyone’ has an accident, they may be subjected to a urinalysis, and now apparently forced blood test. All pot smokers are constantly under threat of DUI.
William Moriarty says
As a retired driver I agree with drivers being as safe as possible. I was invoed in a horrible crash that ended my career. The injuries that I sustained require constant medication for pain. My doctors all prescribed viconin for the pain along with soma, both very addictive and your bodybuilds a tolerance for the drugs. Now I have a choice. Be a opiate addicted, brain dead sleeping worthless lump in pain ex-driver or stop taking the Vicodin and use medical marijuana for the pain and still be able to tell what day it is, function in daily life without the extreme pain. I never thought I would ever take marijuana. However it was suggested to replace the pills and I am so thankful to that person for talking me into it as I have always been a strong anti drug advocate. If a driver has a bqualifying condition that medical marijuana can help with why would any of you or the government have anything to say about it. When I smoke I am high. When I don’t I’m not. It’s just that simple. It really does help me and thousands of others. I do believe that if you are off duty and at least 24 hrs before driving there should be no issue. If a driver sparks a joint then drives he ends to be fired and punished to the fullest extent of the law. My whole point is that I know that I am able to drive the day after smoking and I am not impaired in any way,so if I havnt taken any drugs today how can you say I’m high for 30 days from 1 joint. Please……
Again this is only my opinion but I know that right now I’m not high but I’m in pain so I’m going to smoke a joint and stay in the privacy of my home and it’s none of anybody’s bussiness. And I will be able to function without screams of pain. Make your own judgment.
DonD says
Facts
A lot more crimes are committed by people under the effects of alcohol
About side effects: marijuana smoke and tar are 10 times stickier than tobacco
If you already have cancer smoke it if you want to get cancer same
80 % of the Profits of Mexican cartels come from weed
If marijuana was legalized jail population would drop about 50%
If marijuana was legal cities in America could get rid of up to half of police forces nation wide
And the remaining 50% could be used to chase real bad guys committing real crimes
If it was made legal government Tax Profits could generate more than those of tobacco products
Kevin H says
Alcohol, cigarettes, guns, McDonalds. Any of these can threaten our wellbeing.
It all boils down to personal responsibility and in most cases moderation.
You worried about marijuana? REALLY????
JWB says
Thats b.s., It just hasnt gone through the courts yet….If I smoke a bowl when I am off duty and not lit when I return to work, there will be a lawsuit. No one is advocating being high while on the JOB. Its just like having a drink.
Michael says
On this I have a concern about Contact Hi’s. when I was in the construction industry we always had issues with crew leaders testing positive because the test were sensitive enough to detect contact hi’s. So what happens if I end up some public place and the folks next to me pull out weed and start smoking it?
Has any one considered this??
MRpuddun says
You Guy’s are getting way to excited about this topic. Like always it depends on the person using it every one is different. I personally love. to smoke the weed haven’t for many years tho. But would love for them to legalize it across the board not that I’m holding my breath for it if it happens it happens. But when I was younger and first started driving around 24 years ago I smoked that shit every day morning to night. And yes all day at work. And never had a problem driving. And no I have never even once in those years had so much as fender scrape call it lucky if u wish. But if you knew me you would know I have no luck.maybe most you Guy’s on here that are so twisted up about this should get together
and burn one and relax. Because we only live once try new things enjoy life and quit
trying to control what others do you think I care what others think about me smoking it WRONG. I say to each his own do what makes you happy. I do. Plus if you haven’t tried it try it first before you bag on it and if still not well it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.I mean I don’t do anything else but smoke cigarettes I don’t drink hell that’s all I do now is smoke cigarettes. And you can bet your ass the day they legalize it nation wide ill be the first person in line waiting to get me some
Kurtis says
Well said. No interest in ever being high driving, but on my own private time??? The day it is legal federally I will be smoking my first joint in many years. Good luck failing me on a drug test for a fully legal substance, they try it and I will be calling my lawyer.
soda pop says
Drugs r bad um k
Outlaw says
Drugs and driving do not mix! If you are behind the wheel of a rig YOU need to have control of your faculties and if not please find a non-driving job before you kill yourself or someone else. The road is hard enough without “tripping out” while on a trip. If you think this is a joke please find other employment!
Jesse says
I see a problem. So, if I’m out in Co. for the weekend on a layover and I’m subjected to second hand pot smoke in public areas (not a complaint of mine) and on Monday I’m told I need to be drug tested for one reason or another and the test comes back positive for THC, I’m guilty?! They’re not going to accept my defence of “but I was in Colorado”…. That system is flawed. Just like everything else in this country. What I do ON MY OWN TIME should not be held against me, if it is truly legal! I guess I’ll just have to get wasted over the weekend on alcohol and be really hung over on Monday but still be going down the road, because that is legal. Just stupid.
Surrealist says
Smoking weed doesn’t make you an idiot it doesn’t even make you lazy those are personal choices I use to smoke but now I don’t and I can truly say while I would never operate heavy machinery while high I executed maneuvers and systemically calculated my every move with outstanding accuracy and grace