What You Need To Know About Marijuana Metabolites In DWI Cases

The presence of marijuana metabolites in the body can complicate driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases. While these metabolites can remain detectable long after the effects of marijuana have worn off, they do not necessarily indicate that a driver was impaired at the time of the arrest.

It’s important to recognize that in Texas driving under the influence isn’t limited to alcohol consumption, it can also involve marijuana. If you want to build an effective defense for yourself or someone you love, connect with a skilled Houston DWI lawyer.

What Are Marijuana Metabolites?

When someone consumes marijuana, the body processes the active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), into compounds known as metabolites. These metabolites are stored in body fat and can be detected in blood, urine, or hair long after the psychoactive effects of marijuana have worn off.

There are two main types of metabolites:

• The active form of the substance that impairs cognitive and motor skills.
• THC-COOH. The inactive form of THC that remains in the body for days or even weeks after marijuana use. This is the metabolite most commonly detected in drug tests.

A big challenge in marijuana-related cases is that there is a disconnect between the presence of metabolites and actual impairment. Unlike alcohol, where it is understood that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) gives a clear picture of intoxication levels, the mere presence of marijuana metabolites does not prove that someone was under the influence at the time of driving.

THC, the active ingredient that can impair driving, is typically only present in the bloodstream for a few hours after use, but THC-COOH, the inactive metabolite, can be detected for days or even weeks after marijuana consumption. This means that someone could test positive for marijuana metabolites even though they are no longer under the influence.

Frequent users can encounter even more complications. Regular marijuana users, including those using marijuana for medical purposes, may have a higher baseline level of THC-COOH due to the way the body stores these metabolites in fat cells, making it even more difficult to establish when they last used marijuana.

How Could Metabolites Impact My Case?

For individuals accused of DWI based on the presence of marijuana metabolites, defense strategies often focus on challenging the assumption that metabolites equal impairment. For instance, defense attorneys may challenge the reliability and timing of drug tests. There could also be an argument that the presence of THC-COOH in a test result is not enough to prove intoxication at the time of driving.

Another defense strategy may involve bringing in expert witnesses to explain the science behind marijuana metabolites. Experts can clarify the difference between active THC and THC-COOH, and they can help the court understand why a positive metabolite test does not mean the driver was impaired at the time of the traffic stop. Working with a skilled Houston DWI lawyer means you can challenge assumptions and ensure that your rights are protected.

Is metabolite detection part of your case? Connect with seasoned legal professionals. Contact Ayson Law for a confidential consultation.