• Ore. police prepare for neighboring pot users
    57 replies, posted
[quote]PORTLAND, Ore.— Now that marijuana is legal in neighboring Washington state, Portland police are offering some helpful advice to Oregon pot users. Sure, you can go over to Washington state to "smoke some weed," a police advisory states, but you might get arrested for driving under the influence if you're pulled over coming home, even if you're on a bike. And if you are among the 55,000 people with an Oregon medical marijuana card, Portland police say you'll be able to get your allowed amount of medicine in Washington state. Still, even though you now can't get busted for toking in Tacoma or elsewhere in Washington (though you could get a ticket for public use), it will be a year before selling or buying it is legal. As the Evergreen state works out the various complications of its new law — including the fact that marijuana is still illegal under federal law — neighbors of Washington are watching with curiosity, and perhaps some apprehension. If the federal government doesn't attempt to intervene in the new law, and if Washington state sets up a supply system whose mechanics are yet to be defined, Washington may well become a greater source of pot for users in Oregon and Idaho. "It would be like a place people go to get cheap beer. We're not talking about medical marijuana. We're talking about people who just want to get high," said Josh Marquis, district attorney for Oregon's Clatsop County. Marquis is not totally opposed to marijuana. He thinks the federal government should do what Oregon has done: decriminalize possession of small amounts, and allow people with genuine medical needs to have access for treatment. But one of his greatest concerns, echoed by other law enforcement officials, is people going over to Washington to obtain weed and driving home stoned. "If I'm going to drive on the Oregon coast at night, in the driving rain, I want the person on the other side of the road to be completely unimpaired," Marquis told The Associated Press. Idaho law officials are also watching what's happening in Washington state. Unlike Oregon, Idaho has no medical marijuana law and possession in any form is against the law. Simple possession of less than three ounces is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Idaho officials already have their hands full with Idahoans obtaining medical marijuana cards out of state. The Gem State borders three medical marijuana states, a reality that has caused medical marijuana arrests to outpace those of traffickers or other users. Although Idaho is a largely conservative state, there are pockets defined by borders and demographics that could create new challenges for law enforcement. One of them is Moscow, home to the University of Idaho campus and more than 11,000 students _ just a 10-minute drive to the Washington State University campus in Pullman. More than 70 miles to the north is the busy suburban corridor connecting Spokane, Wash., and the Idaho cities of Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. Idaho police say increased arrests for marijuana could intensify stress on county jails and caseloads for county prosecutors. Idaho State Police Lt. Chris Schenk, says people in north Idaho are joking about so-called "pot tourists" crossing the border to take advantage of Washington's relaxed law. But he says it's going to take time to gauge any increases in arrests for possession or driving under the influence. Oregon has some of the most permissive pot laws in the nation. Possession of less than an ounce will get you the equivalent of a speeding ticket. And for those who want to go the legal route, they can get a medical marijuana card. Still, obtaining pot in Oregon is not without its hassles, in the eyes of some who use it. Federal drug agents have been cracking down on some medical marijuana pot growers, alleging they shipped pot out of state. There has also been pressure on dispensaries that have sprung up in Oregon that provide medical marijuana for a fee to cover costs of operation.. Law officials in some counties have raided such operations, saying they are selling pot for profit. If Washington state sets up a pot supply system, it is likely some Oregon holders of medical marijuana cards will go north for their medicine, advocates say. In Canada, another Washington neighbor, pot is illegal under federal law. Border enforcement of drug laws is stringent, but enforcement for possession for personal use is relaxed. Grass is smoked openly in parks and at pot cafes in British Columbia. Distribution of medical marijuana to patients with needs deemed legitimate through pot dispensaries is also allowed A spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sgt. Duncan Pound, said it is too early to predict what effects legalization in Washington will have. A marijuana advocate in British Columbia, Jodie Emery, worries Canada might intensify border controls because of Washington's weed legalization. Emery also speculates that legalization in Washington could lessen the flow of people traveling to Vancouver, British Columbia to try some "BC Bud." "British Columbia does have a lot of tourism for people who want to experience the marijuana culture but that is shifting," Emery said. Back in Oregon, the tip sheet to marijuana users issued by Portland police states that possession of less than an ounce has been a "low law enforcement priority for 35 years in Portland and this will not change due to the new Washington law." But the advisory also has this caution: If you go to Washington to "buy some weed," the "Portland Police Bureau cannot predict or control the enforcement activities of federal authorities."[/quote] [url=http://www.policeone.com/drug-interdiction-narcotics/articles/6059225-Ore-police-prepare-for-neighboring-pot-users/]Source[/url]
[IMG]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/weed.png[/IMG] x [B]420[/B]
And so its slow infectious crawl begins across the west, the perpetual green wave.
[QUOTE=BANNED USER;38769950]And so its slow infectious crawl begins across the west, the perpetual green wave.[/QUOTE] Then a massive pot cloud raises from the USA and descends upon Canada
My teacher who used to be a cop told us he has only seen one instance where pot has killed someone because they were driving under the influence. I don't think driving under the influence of marijuana is going to be much of an issue. The guy drove off a cliff because he dropped his blunt and tried to grab it if anyone is wondering.
Legalization is only a matter of time at this point.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;38769975]My teacher who used to be a cop told us he has only seen one instance where pot has killed someone because they were driving under the influence. I don't think driving under the influence of marijuana is going to be much of an issue. The guy drove off a cliff because he dropped his blunt and tried to grab it if anyone is wondering.[/QUOTE] that is such a bummer
what a coincidence i live near portland and im going to washington soon
Good to see lawmakers are starting to think rationally about this sort of thing
[QUOTE=Fourm Shark;38770103]I can agree with this. You shouldn't drive while stoned.[/QUOTE] Really, you shouldn't be driving while impaired in any way. eg. Drunk, High, Sleepy, Texting, Talking on the phone, getting a handjob etc. All of these things are likely to cause issues while driving, and are best to steer clear of.
You know, I'm really seriously wondering what the effects of legalization have and will have on the fast-food industry. I mean, if you have a store that sells weed, you'll probably have some sort of restaurant pop up right next to you.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;38769975]My teacher who used to be a cop told us he has only seen one instance where pot has killed someone because they were driving under the influence. I don't think driving under the influence of marijuana is going to be much of an issue. The guy drove off a cliff because he dropped his blunt and tried to grab it if anyone is wondering.[/QUOTE] How would they even be able to know that's what distracted him?
I don't understand why DUI laws affect cyclists. I always bike home from my friends after a night of drinking and smoking.
[QUOTE=Pandamobile;38770178]I don't understand why DUI laws affect cyclists. I always bike home from my friends after a night of drinking and smoking.[/QUOTE] Because you can crash and either get yourself killed by a car or damage another vehicle.
Completely forgot that Idaho was a state.
driving high is only apparently dangerous when you've had so much to smoke that your dizziness is apparent. I've driven high hundreds of times, but I only drive high when I know that I can do it. I'm just curious as to what type of sobriety tests they'll create to address this issue. [QUOTE=Pandamobile;38770178]I don't understand why DUI laws affect cyclists. I always bike home from my friends after a night of drinking and smoking.[/QUOTE] drinking is understandable, but cycling high is easier than cycling sober. even if you were biking while high, I doubt that anyone could really tell.
[QUOTE=Klammyxxl;38770300]but I only drive high when I know that I can do it.[/QUOTE] I don't think you're the one to decide whether or not you can drive while you're under the influence of something.
I drive high sometimes. It's different than driving drunk, which I did once and absolutely hated myself for it and I've never done it since, even though I got home safe... you can drive fine when you're high and you pretty much zone out on the action of driving, (note: mildly high, not totally baked and especially not stoned) you'll just forget where you're going/driving to a lot.
[QUOTE=ZestyLemons;38769970]Then a massive pot cloud raises from the USA and descends upon Canada[/QUOTE] Could you blow some over the pond while you're at it?
Yeah, I'm all for smoking weed, but don't pretend it's okay to drive on it. At the end of the day, it still slows reaction time etc.
I'll be moving back to Portland over the summer, it'll be interesting to see how prevalent usage will become.
[QUOTE=koeniginator;38770172]How would they even be able to know that's what distracted him?[/QUOTE] Black box
[QUOTE=A B.A. Survivor;38770367]I don't think you're the one to decide whether or not you can drive while you're under the influence of something.[/QUOTE] Then who is? Obviously, only I can know if I can drive or not. The problem is that the term "under the influence" is pretty relative. Being under the influence of alcohol means a completely different thing than being under the influence of cannabis, or anything else. When you've been drinking, the fear of driving intoxicated is diminished, and your confidence is higher than it should be. This is why people drive drunk, even though they can tell that they have absolutely zero control of their vehicle. The thing with weed is that your judgement isn't really skewed at all. I'm not anymore likely to make a stupid decision while I'm high than I would sober. I can tell if I'm either too high to drive, or in a good state to drive.
[QUOTE=darkrei9n;38769975]My teacher who used to be a cop told us he has only seen one instance where pot has killed someone because they were driving under the influence. I don't think driving under the influence of marijuana is going to be much of an issue. The guy drove off a cliff because he dropped his blunt and tried to grab it if anyone is wondering.[/QUOTE] I got baked at work with a couple of coworkers and the manager and, after my shift, drove home. It's really not that different, except I drove like 20 mph because I didn't want to get pulled over and busted. Oh, and instead of going straight home, I first stopped by the Valero and got some nachos out of that nasty ass nacho dispenser. They were fucking godly.
Im so high right now :v The cops should just let those people do their thing in the other state and just relax when they come back, because they know that trying to stop the stoners from stoning on back into the state is like trying to drink a waterfall dry.
Its understandable that they wouldn't want anyone driving in any mindstate outside of what the norm is, but that rule applies to many mindstates. Driving while high probably shouldn't be any more reprimandable than driving sleepily or angrily, although personally I think those are more dangerous than the former. Besides, if you're really so stoned that you shouldn't drive, then your probably too high to even stand properly, or even want to get up. Not too mention you could eat and wait 20 minutes to be able to drive.
[QUOTE=kebab52;38770436]Yeah, I'm all for smoking weed, but don't pretend it's okay to drive on it. At the end of the day, it still slows reaction time etc.[/QUOTE]Seriously, it's nothing like driving drunk, you're just creating a false stereotype. There is a limit but really, driving high is not generally a big deal.
[QUOTE=Ybbats;38771990]Seriously, it's nothing like driving drunk, you're just creating a false stereotype. There is a limit but really, driving high is not generally a big deal.[/QUOTE] Stereotype? They've done studies on this. Tested people that were high on pot in both driving simulators and closed courses and found that they are impaired drivers. This makes sense, THC does affect areas of the brain that control movement, balance, memory, and coordination. Its something that requires more research, but there's no doubt that driving while high is dangerous.
Its more about knowing your limits. Driving while comfortably high is amazing. I mean its pretty simple, obey the speed limit and traffic laws. If anything i drive safer because i don't want to get popped.
fairly understandable, besides you could just take a taxi or bus back home [editline]10th December 2012[/editline] or a train
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