In an acknowledgment of the potential for unofficial celebrations of 4/20, a celebration day for some cannabis consumers, state police will step up patrols and target drug-impaired driving today, April 20, according to a press release.
“The State Police reminds motorists that driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, including cannabis, is not only dangerous, it is illegal in New York state,” the press release states.
According to the Associated Press, “Thursday marks marijuana culture’s high holiday, 4/20, when college students gather — at 4:20 p.m. — in clouds of smoke on campus quads and when pot shops in legal weed states thank their customers with discounts.”
Cannabis was legalized in New York state in March 2021, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued reminders for drivers of the dangers of driving impaired from alcohol or cannabis, police said.
“If you’re planning to consume cannabis, do not drive. Designate a sober driver who won’t be consuming or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who’s high shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why planning is key,” police said.
According to NHTSA, between 2009 and 2018, of those drivers killed in crashes and tested, the presence of cannabis had nearly doubled.
“If you think driving high won’t affect you, you are wrong: It has been shown that cannabis can slow reaction…