Extra patrols looking for impaired drivers in Pueblo for 420

The unofficial Marijuana holiday has many police departments have extra officers patrolling the streets.

“Today is 420 and we know people are going to be out celebrating,” says Corporal Richard Wojcik with the Pueblo police department, “We are going to have extra patrols.” Even though marijuana is legal in the state, it is still illegal to drive under the influence.

Cannabis consumers we spoke to say many will spend the day in their homes, but others feel perfectly fine driving. According to statistics released by the Colorado Department of Transportation, 69 percent of users say they have driven high within the last year with 29 percent saying they drive high daily.

When making stops officers will look for the obvious signs; swerving, red eyes, and odor. Wojcik says, “your going to notice it right away, it is a very strong smell.”

If someone is pulled over and police have probable cause, they could be asked for a blood test. Officers say they are able to determine when the last time someone smoked. Refusing to do so could cost you, “those consequences are you could lose your drivers license for up to a year,” says Wojcik.

The police department says if you don’t want to land yourself behind bars after smoking or ingesting marijuana, get yourself a designated driver.