Avoiding a Marijuana DUI in Colorado: How Long Should You Wait to Drive After Using Marijuana in Colorado?
How long to wait to drive after using marijuana in Colorado is one of the most common questions asked by Colorado drivers and is important to understand to avoid getting a marijuana DUI in Colorado.
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, but many drivers mistakenly believe that legalization also makes it legal to drive after consuming cannabis. That is not the case. Understanding how long to wait until you should drive after using THC, is important to avoiding an unexpected DUI arrest.
Driving while impaired by marijuana remains illegal under Colorado law and can result in serious criminal charges, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).
If you recently used marijuana and are wondering how long to wait to drive after using marijuana in Colorado, understanding Colorado law can help protect both your safety and your legal rights.
Can I get a Marijuana DUI in Colorado?
Yes. Being charged with a Marijuana DUI in Colorado can lead to severe consequences.
Colorado law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by marijuana.
Unlike alcohol, there is no universally accepted formula that determines when a person is no longer impaired after using cannabis. Instead, law enforcement evaluates the totality of the circumstances, including:
- Driving behavior
- Physical observations
- Field sobriety tests
- Statements made by the driver
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations
- Blood test results
Colorado law also establishes a permissible inference of impairment when a driver’s blood contains 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of whole blood. However, a driver may still be arrested and prosecuted even if their THC level is below that amount if the evidence suggests impairment.
How Long Should You Wait Before Driving?
Avoiding a marijuana DUI in Colorado depends on several factors, including:
- How much THC was consumed
- Whether marijuana was smoked or eaten
- Individual metabolism
- Body weight
- Tolerance
- Whether alcohol or other drugs were also used
Because impairment varies significantly from person to person, there is no guaranteed “safe” waiting period.
Colorado safety officials recommend the following minimum waiting periods.
If You Smoked or Vaped Marijuana
Wait at least six hours before driving after consuming a lower dose of THC.
If you used concentrates, high-potency products, or consumed larger amounts, you should wait considerably longer.
If You Consumed Edibles
Edibles remain one of the leading causes of unexpected marijuana impairment because their effects:
- Begin much later
- Last much longer
- Often feel stronger than expected
Colorado recommends waiting at least eight hours after consuming a lower-dose edible before driving.
Higher doses require additional waiting time.
If You Consumed Alcohol with THC
If you have consumed alcohol in addition to consuming cannabis, it’s crucial to wait even longer before getting behind the wheel. Using cannabis and alcohol together enhances the effects of each, causing increased side effects. And some products sold on the illegal market can even cause intoxicating effects that last longer than 12 hours.
Why Marijuana Can Affect Driving Longer Than You Think
THC affects several important driving skills, including:
- Reaction time
- Judgment
- Decision-making
- Attention
- Coordination
- Distance perception
- Lane positioning
Many drivers report feeling “normal” while objective testing still demonstrates measurable impairment.
This disconnect is one reason arrests for marijuana DUI in Colorado continue to occur.
Can You Receive a DUI Even If You Feel Fine?
Yes, you can receive a marijuana DUI in Colorado even if you don’t “feel high”.
Feeling sober does not necessarily mean you are legally safe to drive.
Colorado officers evaluate impairment using multiple observations, including:
- Slow reactions
- Bloodshot eyes
- Odor of marijuana
- Difficulty following instructions
- Poor balance
- Driving performance
Blood testing may also be requested during a DUI investigation.
What Happens If You Are Charged With a Marijuana DUI in Colorado?
Depending on the circumstances, a marijuana-related DUI or DWAI conviction may result in:
- Jail
- Fines
- Probation
- Community service
- Driver’s license consequences
- Increased insurance premiums
- Permanent criminal record
- Required alcohol or drug education classes
Because every DUI case is unique, early legal advice is important.
The Safest Decision
If there is any question about whether you remain impaired after using marijuana, do not drive.
Waiting longer or arranging alternative transportation can help prevent accidents, criminal charges, and long-term consequences.
If you have been arrested for a marijuana DUI in Colorado, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible can help you understand your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a marijuana DUI in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado law allows drivers to be charged with DUI or DWAI if marijuana impairs their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Is there a legal THC limit for driving?
Colorado recognizes 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of whole blood as a permissible inference of impairment. However, drivers may still face DUI charges below that level if other evidence indicates impairment.
Additionally, chronic THC users may be at persistent risk of DUI arrest due to the amount of time THC remainis in the blood.
How long should I wait after smoking marijuana before driving?
Colorado safety officials recommend waiting at least six-eight hours after smoking lower amounts of THC. Higher doses may require substantially more time.
What happens when you mix cannabis and alcohol?
Poly-Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, natural medicine (psilocybin) or other drugs — especially when combined — is dangerous and illegal. Using two or more intoxicating substances together (also known as “poly-consuming”, “polysubstance use” or “polydrug consumption”) enhances the effects of each substance and increases the risk of a crash. In fact, about one-third of drivers in fatal crashes involving impairment in Colorado test positive for multiple impairing substances, including alcohol. Motorists should know that Colorado Drug Recognition Experts are trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and that impaired driving of any kind can lead to a DUI arrest.
Can I refuse a blood test?
Colorado’s Express Consent Law may require chemical testing after a lawful DUI arrest. Refusing a test can carry significant legal consequences, including driver’s license revocation. If you have questions about your rights, consult a qualified Colorado attorney.
Learn more about drugged driving and poly-impaired driving
Colorado Department of Transportation
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
