PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How does marijuana affect driving?
I just moved to Illinois from Indiana, and legal weed shops are everywhere. I’m not used to this being legal, let alone seeing people puff a joint at a bar and then drive away. As far as I know, marijuana impacts driving every bit as much as alcohol, but I’m not positive. How does marijuana affect people behind the wheel?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Seeing legal marijuana dispensaries and people openly smoking joints is definitely odd the first time around. But don’t think that you can just puff away on a joint and get behind the wheel in
Illinois
or any other state. While chemically different than alcohol marijuana affects driving in a number of ways:- Slower reaction times
- Reduced motor skills
- Impaired judgment
- Struggles with concentration
- Distorted perceptions of reality
These impairments sound almost identical to drunk driving, but with a few differences. According to a study from the nonprofit Marshall Project, driving under the influence of marijuana is the equivalent of a blood-alcohol level of between 0.01% and 0.05%. This means that you could technically pass a blood test or field sobriety test in the eyes of the law.
However, there’s no reason to tempt fate. If you’re going to smoke or take an edible, use a rideshare app, hail a taxi, or catch a ride with a friend. You may not be doing anything illegal, but the alternatives are much better for your health and the well-being of others.
Driving under the influence of marijuana is never a good idea. But you know what else isn’t a smart move? Paying too much for car insurance. Thankfully,
Jerry
can come to the rescue.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
