DON'T MIX ALCOHOL, POT WITH MOVING VEHICLES

Q: Hello, Monty, I am a Proposition 215 medical marijuana patient, and
I have a question for you that I think will apply to many people in
our area. What is the law about driving with my marijuana? I have
heard all different kinds of answers from many people but would like
to know the actual law. I drive a Dodge pickup so there is no way of
putting it in a trunk or locked glove box. Also what about after you
park, are you then able to smoke in your vehicle if you are not going
to be driving anywhere? Thanks.

A: If you are lawfully allowed to possess marijuana for medical
purposes, it is no different from having any other prescribed drug.
You can carry it on your person, in your vehicle. There is nothing
that requires that it be kept under lock and key. You do have a
responsibility, just as with any other controlled substance to keep it
out of the reach of children.

With regard to smoking in your vehicle with the belief that you are
not going to be driving, there could be some issues with this.

Let me give you an example of why you would not want to be smoking in
the vehicle.

Vehicle Code Section 23152. (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person
who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under
the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a
vehicle. You can be considered the driver and or in control of a
vehicle even while you are parked and in or about the vehicle."

You drive over to a friend's house before smoking marijuana and while
you are waiting for him to show up, you smoke a joint or two (for
medical reasons). A little time has passed and the marijuana is having
its effect. When you pulled up in front of your friend's house, a
neighbor noticed a strange vehicle in the neighborhood and called the
local police. A little more time has passed and the local police stop
in behind you and your vehicle to investigate what appears to be a
suspicious circumstance, some guy sitting in his vehicle and watching
the neighborhood. You can see where this is going.

Alcohol and or drugs, prescription or not, should not in anyway be
mixed with vehicles, moving or not.