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Driver Arrested for DUI Was 54 Times the Legal Limit for Marijuana

Snohomish County, WA– Results from a blood test revealed a Lynnwood man booked for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) had more than 54 times the legal limit of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, in his blood system.

On May 20, 2017, at 6:20 p.m, a Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper arrested a 53-year old man for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). The man is also believed to be the driver of a car involved in a hit-and-run collision 20 minutes prior to being stopped. The collision occurred at 6:02 p.m. at 175th Street and I-5, near the King County/Snohomish County line. Witnesses called 9-1-1 to report the hit-and-run driver and followed his vehicle until WSP Troopers could pull him over.

The Trooper, along with a Lynnwood Police Officer, pulled the driver over at 176th Street in Lynnwood. The driver showed signs of intoxication and was ultimately placed in custody for DUI.
The Trooper obtained and executed a blood warrant. In July, the toxicology lab sent back the Lynnwood man’s blood results which revealed the driver’s THC levels to be 270 nanograms. The legal limit for adults over 21-years-old is five nanograms of THC. That is 54 times over the legal limit for marijuana in Washington State.

Marijuana, like other controlled substances can impair a driver’s ability. In Washington, impaired driving is one of the leading factors in traffic deaths. This includes drivers who are impaired due to alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs—prescription or illegal. Not including alcohol, marijuana continues to be one of the most frequently occurring drug among drivers involved in deadly crashes. By itself or in combinations with alcohol and other drugs, 349 drivers tested positive for marijuana in 2014.

In 2015, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission says marijuana positive drivers were involved in 91 of the states 499 fatal crashes. The Washington State Patrol would like to remind drivers to drive sober.
Written and Provided by Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer, Trooper Heather Axtman-Press Memo  7/18/17
 

About the Author

Chris Nelson
I'm a long time Skagit County Resident. I believe in doing the right thing and helping others when you can.

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