Mass. Seeks Law To Apply OUI Statutes To Marijuana

As recreational marijuana gets easier and easier to purchase, Gov. Charlie Baker wants lawmakers to change how the state deals with people operating under the influence of marijuana.

If the Legislature adopts the proposal, a driver suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana who refuses to take a chemical test would lose their license for at least six months, the same penalty as for suspected drunken drivers who refuse a breathalyzer.

The recommendations come from a report out by a Special Commission on Operating Under the Influence and Impaired Driving.

Meanwhile, the ACLU of Massachusetts has raised concerns about nearly a third of the suggestions, saying that some of them could threaten civil liberties.

John Carmichael, chief of police in the town of Walpole. He's a member of the state's Special Commission on Operating Under the Influence and Impaired Driving. He tweets @walpolechief.

Peter Elikann, criminal defense attorney. He's a member of the state's Special Commission on Operating Under the Influence and Impaired Driving.

Ann Kitch, who tracks the marijuana and driving issue for the National Conference of State Legislatures.