AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Senate has given initial approval to a measure that would set legal limits for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
The issue has divided lawmakers. Some want to impose specific blood levels, as recommended by a working group that studied the issue. Some oppose the limits, saying they would unfairly penalize medical marijuana users who develop a tolerance for the drug.
Under the bill, the legal limit for driving would be 5 nanograms of THC per millimeter of blood.
"In a person who uses cannabis regularly for treatment of serious medical conditions, as is allowed under Maine state law, can have a THC blood level significantly above 5 nanograms at all times and not experience any impairing effects as a result of that THC," said Sen. Eric Brakey, an Auburn Republican.
In addition, Brakey says THC can remain in a person's blood stream and trigger a positive OUI test after many days of abstinence.
A.J. Higgins contributed to this story.