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There Could Be A Link Between Car Wrecks And Marijuana

A study found a correlation between some states with legalized recreational marijuana use and the frequency of collision claim reports.

There Could Be A Link Between Car Wrecks And Marijuana
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There could be a link between marijuana and car wrecks — let us explain.

new study found a correlation between some states with legalized recreational marijuana use and the frequency of collision claim reports.

Researchers compared collision records in Colorado, Oregon and Washington from before and after recreational pot was legalized, as well as with neighboring states without recreational marijuana.

Combined, insurance claims in those states were about 3 percent higher than what would be expected without legalization.

Vermont's Governor Vetoes A Bill To Legalize Recreational Marijuana
Vermont's Governor Vetoes A Bill To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Vermont's Governor Vetoes A Bill To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Vermont's governor refused to sign legislation to legalize recreational marijuana, unless the state's Congress makes some changes.

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Now, the study didn't indicate that drivers under the influence of marijuana directly caused the increase.

So far, eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and even more are considering legislation.

Still, it's difficult to determine if the crashes were caused solely by marijuana use. The researchers note many high drivers also test positive for alcohol in their systems.