As part of an infrastructure bill passed in August, the U.S. Senate approved provisions allowing scientists to study marijuana purchased from state-legal dispensaries instead of relying solely on government-grown cannabis. The primary goals of the new legislation include researching and educating individuals about impaired driving. Having passed the Senate by 69-30, the House must now consider the amended bill before sending it to President Joe Biden.
The new measure requires the transportation secretary to develop a public report with the attorney general and secretary of health and human services within a time frame of two years. Scientists from states that have not yet legalized marijuana will also have access to dispensary products from jurisdictions that have ended prohibition, according to provisions of the legislation. Additionally, a separate section in the transportation bill requires states where marijuana is legal to educate and deter people from impaired driving.
The language in the infrastructure bill causes concern with advocates because it focuses on legalized jurisdictions while ignoring that marijuana-impaired driving occurs regardless of the law. Although many advocates support measures to reduce impaired driving, some are concerned legalizing cannabis may increase the number of individuals driving under the influence of marijuana. Currently, there is no conclusive research on the subject.
Recent federally funded research found that the amount of THC in an individual’s system does not correlate with the degree of impairment. Many states have legalized and decriminalized cannabis, but people with a criminal background relating to marijuana may still feel the burden of carrying a record.
An arrest record for possession can interfere with employment and housing security. If you are struggling to remove a marijuana offense from your history, there’s hope. Contact Easy Expunctions to discuss our affordable record-clearing services with an expert!