Summer is the season of barbecues and outdoor parties. While all that fun and activity is a great way to enjoy being social, it’s important that you stay safe while doing it. Colorado police frequently set up large DUI checkpoints throughout the Denver metro area, especially around major holidays. While you may know that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, you may not be aware of just how serious driving while high can be. Your trusted Denver dispensary want to help you be prepared for the summer months. Here’s what you need to know about driving under the influence of weed and a few easy ways to get home safe after passing the bong around the barbecue.

Marijuana Can Earn You a DUI

Though there are no roadside sobriety tests to determine how high a person is behind the wheel, the police can and will pull you over if you appear to be driving stoned. The most common signs they look for are erratic behavior, weaving, driving well below the speed limit, and anything else that makes you seem out of control of the vehicle. Though the state-mandated limit to charge you with a DUI is 5 nanograms of THC in the bloodstream, that amount is only the minimum threshold for charging you with the crime. If you’re driving with less THC in your system, but are still seen to be reckless behind the wheel, the cops will pull you over.

If you’re pulled over and the officer determines that you’re under the influence, they will expect you to take a blood test to determine whether or not you were over the legal limit. If you refuse, you may end up having your license suspended or being forced to attend DUI awareness classes.

How You Can Avoid a Ticket

The easiest way to eliminate your risk of getting a DUI is to avoid getting behind the wheel high in the first place. If you’re planning on going to a party where you’ll light up a joint or want to get high before going to a stressful family reunion, have a plan to get there and back safely. Use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the party high and get home safely without worrying about being charged with a DUI.

If you’re looking to save money, ask a friend to be the designated driver for the night. Though they won’t be able to enjoy the strain you bring with you at that time, they will make sure you get home safely. To keep things fair, you can alternate designated driver duties throughout the summer, sparing the worry over those pesky DUI checkpoints that pop up out of nowhere.

Staying safe and avoiding a marijuana-related DUI doesn’t mean you need to abstain. It just means you need to be cautious about when you use your favorite weed. If you plan on taking your favorite pipe and bud with you to the next barbecue, make sure you have the right carrying cases to protect your gear. Stop by Altitude Dispensary today and pick up a new case and carry your weed in style.