Marijuana and OVI in Warren, Trumbull County, OH

Understanding Marijuana Laws and OVI

Introduction

In Ohio, marijuana has been legalized for medical use, yet recreational use remains prohibited. This means that even in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, lighting up for fun is against the law.

Statistics

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. According to the FBI, over 17,000 arrests for marijuana possession were made in Ohio in 2013.

OVI and Marijuana

While many associate “OVI” (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) with alcohol, it also applies to drug intoxication. Marijuana is one such drug that can lead to an OVI charge.

Can You Be Charged with OVI After Smoking Marijuana?

Ohio Revised Code states that driving under the influence of any controlled substance, including marijuana, can result in an OVI charge. Since marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, smoking a joint and then driving can lead to legal consequences.

Testing for Marijuana Intoxication

Unlike alcohol, which is typically tested via breath analysis, marijuana impairment is detected through blood or urine tests.

Specific Limits for Testing:

• Urine Test: At least 10 nanograms of marijuana per millimeter of urine.
• Blood Test: At least 2 nanograms per millimeter of whole blood, blood plasma, or blood serum.

Detection Timing

Marijuana and its metabolites stay in your body longer than the high lasts. The detection time varies based on usage:

• Single Use: Metabolites can remain for up to three days.
• Frequent Use (a few times a week): Up to five days.
• Daily Use: Metabolites may stay for two weeks.
• Chronic Use: It could take a month for metabolites to clear out.

This means that even if you haven’t smoked recently, a chemical test could still detect marijuana from days or weeks prior, potentially leading to an OVI charge.

Refusing Chemical Tests

Refusing to submit to a blood or urine test can result in an automatic administrative suspension of your license by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If later convicted of OVI, additional court-imposed suspensions can occur.

What to Do If Asked for a Chemical Test

It’s advisable to comply with the test. It’s easier for your Warren OVI lawyer to challenge the test results than to fight an automatic suspension of your license.

OVI Penalties for Marijuana

The penalties for OVI due to marijuana are similar to those for alcohol-related offenses. They can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and a period without eligibility for limited driving privileges, depending on the level of intoxication.

Contact Us

The Youngstown Criminal Law Group specializes in defending drivers arrested for marijuana-related OVI. Contact us today (330) 992-3036 for expert legal assistance.

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