(WAND) - When people hear the phrase DUI, their mind usually goes to alcohol, but driving under the influence of cannabis is still illegal and can lead to life-changing consequences.
"I lost my son, who was impaired [by] marijuana in a car crash. He was a passenger, but everyone in the car was getting high," said Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) Executive Director Rita Kreslin.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a national organization founded by two mothers who lost their children to impaired drivers. Executive Director Erin Doherty said marijuana can impact your reaction time.
"The response rate and their capabilities behind the wheel to be a defensive and a safe driver are at risk," Doherty said.
After losing her son, Kreslin became passionate about educating the youth on the risks of driving while intoxicated.
"The studies are showing that the majority of the people [who] are under the influence of cannabis are slower drivers. They don't see colors. So, the stoplights are a little bit different because it may skew the fact that it's really green or is that yellow," Kreslin said.
Marijuana isn't the same as it was in the 1970's. Since then, cannabis has increased in THC potency, which is the chemical that gets you high. Some concentrates used in edibles reach as high as 95% THC.
"When you have somebody doing edibles, it absorbs differently in the body. So, it could take longer for it to absorb your high right away," Kreslin said.
Kreslin said to educate your children about the dangers of cannabis and remind them to never ride with drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
You can find resources for AAIM and locate your local MAAD chapter on their websites.
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