MAINE, USA — April 20th is better known as 4/20 for marijuana users.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety wants to remind people, "If you feel different, you drive different."
It's urging people choosing to partake in the day's activities to plan ahead and arrange a ride, not get behind the wheel.
A release from the Bureau stated, "Since 2020 cannabinoids (marijuana) have been the most frequently detected drug in samples from OUI/DUID investigations in Maine. A review of all OUI/DUID blood samples tested in 2022 found that 45% of them were positive for cannabinoids."
A spokesperson for Maine's Office of Cannabis Policy said it's also reminding people to stay smart today and anytime they use marijuana.
"Today and every day we just want those who partake to be safe and responsible cannabis consumers," Alexis Soucy said. "We are reminding everyone that using cannabis in a vehicle is not permitted, neither is driving under the influence of cannabis."
Over $16 million worth of marijuana was sold in the state last month, according to data from the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.
Soucy said Maine's market for adult-use cannabis is still relatively new, but the state's Office of Cannabis Policy is seeing steady growth each month.
"March was our actually second largest month in sales that we've seen so far in the program's history for adult use," Soucy said. "But we do expect that there will be continued interest as people get more comfortable with the idea of adult-use cannabis across Maine, as well as visitors coming in the summer."
The Bureau of Highway Safety said if you are drug-impaired, give your keys to a sober driver to take you home or to your next stop. If you know someone who is going to drive high, take the keys and help them get home.
"Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later," the Bureau of Highway Safety added.