On November 8, the voters of California decided to make marijuana a regulated legal drug much like alcohol. People 21 and over may now legally use marijuana for recreational purposes. Despite this massive change in the law, marijuana possession, cultivation and use are still illegal under federal law. This may lead to some interesting legal challenges in the coming months and years.
California's Proposition 64 also allows adults 21 and older to grow up to six marijuana plants. However, marijuana is illegal to use in public and it remains illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence.
While there are a wide variety of unknowns related to the passage of Proposition 64, the change may lead to more DUI arrests related to marijuana. While the passage of Prop 64 is sure to bring much change in the state, one thing won’t change: if you are arrested for suspicion of a DUI related to alcohol, marijuana or any other drug, a skilled defense attorney is absolutely essential for your protection. This may be particularly true in the post-64 era.