So-called synthetic marijuana has gained popularity in Michigan. Some people think that just because you can buy the stuff in a gas station or party story, it must be legal. Worse than that, they believe that it is not dangerous, or that it’s ok to drive under the influence of synthetic marijuana. All of these beliefs and assumptions are thoroughly wrong.
First, synthetic marijuana is not really synthetic THC. According to Today.com:
Spice could be any one of dozens of chemical compounds, many manufactured in clandestine Chinese, Eastern European or American labs where quality control is not the prime concern of the makers.
Whatever it really is, using synthetic pot can be deadly. According to Today.com:
Synthetic marijuana is supposed to hit the cannabinoid receptors on brain cells to produce a high — but comparing spice to natural marijuana is like comparing a BB gun to an M-16.
Because of the danger, Michigan has already made synthetic pot illegal. Because of this, according to Michigan’s DUI laws, driving under the influence of it is a crime. In fact, the punishment is exactly the same as what happens if you’re convicted of DUI in Michigan.
Here is what the Michigan DUI law specifically says:
In Michigan: “operating while intoxicated” means any of the following:
(a) The person is under the influence of alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance or a combination of alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance.
This means that if you are under the influence of synthetic pot, then Michigan’s DUI laws are such that you could be sent to prison for a very long time. The average sentence in Michigan for causing death while intoxicated is 5-7 years.
If you’ve been charged with OWI in Michigan because of alcohol, or any other intoxicating substance, contact the Barone Defense Firm today for your FREE no obligation case review
