Final answer:
No, it is not legal to drive under the influence of marijuana even in states where its use is legal. The complexities between state and federal laws create a patchwork of legal statuses for marijuana, but DUI remains illegal everywhere.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is not legal to drive a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana. While marijuana has been legalized or decriminalized in many states for either recreational or medical use, driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana is still illegal in every state. This is comparable to alcohol, where consumption in certain amounts is legal, but operating a vehicle while impaired is not.
The legality of marijuana itself is complex due to differences between state and federal laws. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level, meaning that its sale and consumption are illegal. However, states like Colorado and Washington have enacted laws that permit recreational use of marijuana, creating a disjointed legal landscape.
Law enforcement and courts have to navigate these disparities between state and federal statutes, often leading to a lack of uniformity in how marijuana-related offenses, including DUI, are treated across different jurisdictions.