Tools

King Says Delta-9-THC Leaves System Hours After Smoking Pot

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Dec 4, 2012 at 7:52 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 4, 2012 at 8:04 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. For the fifth time in three years, lawmakers are pushing for a driving under the influence of drugs per say standard in Colorado.

The bill aims to set a marijuana blood standard for drivers.

Sen. Steve King (R-Dist. 7) said people suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana would specifically be tested for Delta-9-THC, the primary psycho-active ingredient in marijuana. He says other forms of THC can stay in a person's system for longer than a few hours and do no not affect a person's ability to drive.

King said, "That's how the marijuana industry, that's how Senator Carroll has made the argument, two days later you might have some THC still in your system and the police will arrest you and take you to jail ... you don't have Delta-9-THC then, that leaves your system within two to three hours after you smoke pot."

King also says lawmakers continue to look at the five nanogram standard. He says that would be the most liberal standard in the world. Other states with similar laws have set the standard at two or three nanograms, or have zero tolerance policies for testing positive for any THC.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Sherri Gregersen said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:17 PM

Once again, Mr. King has publicly shown what an ignorant man he is. I am ashamed he represents us. We hould be ashamed for putting such an ignornt and uniformed man in an office, so he can use it for his own personal gain.

Eric Jackson said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:13 PM

Once again, Mr. King is completely WRONG. Chronic patients have THC built up in their systems. The Westword pot critic had 3 times the proposed limit when he was sober. Furthermore, the "per se" aspect of his previous bills is disgusting especially since there is no scientific proof of impairment at his proposed levels or even higher levels of thc. You should NOT take away our basic right to defend ourself in court if need be. Basically it would be like drinking a beer today, then getting a DUI tomorrow. Does that make any sense? Plus you would be automatically guilty because of the "per se" part. PS. How much time and money has Mr. King WASTED on this witch hunt? Traffic fatalities actually DECREASE in States with medical cannabis FYI...

Stan said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:15 PM

the problem is, the level of Delta9-THC has absolutely no bearing on a persons level of intoxication, regular users (ie medical) have shown to have levels in excess of 20ng/ml after a full nights sleep. There should simply be a roadside sobriety test. Most cop cars are equipped with video cameras. Perhaps this would make convictions a little harder, but it would also ensure that when we are arresting someone for being intoxicated that they actually are. King is a little bit taken with old-school reefer madness / hysteria.

Steve Carl said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:24 PM

I would love to see some data to back this statement up.

Medically proven facts said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:26 PM

King is incorrect in his facts regarding impairment time frames from marijuana as are Eric Jackson and his statements. I ashamed King represents us and continues to provide false facts. Simply put if you get stopped and are impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, legal prescription drugs or fatigue YOU SHOULD GO TO JAIL AND PAY THE PRICE! If you show no signs of impairment, no arrest go on your way.

In the know said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:46 PM

Boy start stating facts about marijuana impairment, and all the pot smokers come out like roaches,interesting pun there lol.

Disgusted said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 4:25 AM

For the fifth time in three years? Meanwhile people are living in ditches in The Peoples Republic of Mesa County. Sad the way our so-called representatives ignore the plight of their constitutes for this non-issue.

Voter said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 9:13 AM

Vote him out.. I think its time our representatives stop wasting our time and tax payers dollars, and start focusing on issues that matter. Instead of wasting time and money on the same issue over and over.

Fugg said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 5:21 PM

Sen Steve King is ex law enforcement. He is simply attempting to direct more tax dollars toward his cronies. Like all politicians he will use scare tactics and mis-information to advance his agenda.

x smoker said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 8:55 PM

and there has to be at least one person with a holier than thou attitude

In The Know said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 10:08 PM

I swear I've never seen so many people complain in my life. I thought dope smokers were supposed to be mellow and not care about anything. Go eat some chips and relax, no one is going to take away your drugs.

In The Know said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 10:11 PM

Maybe you all should unionize "Dope smokers united?"

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather