NORFOLK, Va. — Drive Safe Hampton Roads held a forum discussing cannabis and safe driving on Wednesday.
Local police officers were in attendance, for a presentation from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
It's illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority says even a small amount can alter brain function.
"There are opportunities to reduce the incidents of cannabis-impaired driving," Jeremy Preiss, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority said. "And if we're able to do that, make the roads safer, reduce the number of accidents, injuries, fatalities associated with cannabis consumption and driving, then it's certainly worthwhile to do."
A 2022 survey from the agency found that 30 percent of Virginians believe those who consume marijuana are usually safer drivers.
Driving while high could lead to a DUI. That first-time offense could also lead to losing your driver's license, a 250-dollar mandatory fine and possibly a year in jail.