Study: Legalizing Pot Leads to Major Spike in Traffic Fatalities

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — California could become the next state to legalize recreational marijuana, after voters weigh in this November.

Supporters and opponents have gone all out, with those in favor citing the economic benefits of legalization, and those opposed citing concerns about safety.

States who’ve already legalized recreational pot have been put under the microscope.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, fatal crashes involving drivers who had recently used marijuana doubled, after the State of Washington made the drug legal.

In addition, researchers say unlike those for alcohol, legal marijuana limits are arbitrary, and unsupported by science.

Some drivers with relatively high levels may not be impaired, while others with low levels, could be unsafe behind the wheel.