12/10/10-A special legislative panel is recommending passage of a bill that would relax the zero-tolerance rule for marijuana.
Colorado law now has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs in a driver’s bloodstream. Drivers suspected of being impaired are required to submit to a blood test or face a suspension of their driving privileges.
The Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice is calling for lawmakers to change the state’s rules. Similar to Pennsylvania, a threshold of 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood will be pursued during the session that begins Jan. 6, 2011.
Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, a member of the panel, is expected to introduce the bill setting a marijuana driving impairment level similar to the 0.08 percent blood alcohol level.
The issue is drawing attention at the statehouse due to the rising use of medical marijuana.
Supporters say the 5 nanogram limit would protect the public while not putting undue burden on legal users.