Recreational marijuana is now legal for adults in Connecticut—but don’t mistake legalization for a free pass to drive after using cannabis. Law enforcement has ramped up efforts to crack down on drugged driving, and a conviction can have devastating consequences: loss of your license, steep fines, possible jail time, and a permanent criminal record.
At The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman, we’ve been defending clients accused of DUI and drug offenses in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and across Connecticut for over 30 years. Here’s what you need to know about how the law works, why these cases are so aggressively prosecuted, and how we fight to protect our clients’ futures.
Is Marijuana Legal in Connecticut? Yes—But With Strict Limits
Since July 1, 2021, adults 21 and older in Connecticut can legally:
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Possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public.
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Keep up to 5 ounces in a locked container at home or in a car’s trunk/glove box.
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Grow up to six plants per household (3 mature, 3 immature) as long as they’re secured and out of public view.
However, driving under the influence of marijuana is still a crime. The legalization of cannabis didn’t change Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a, which prohibits operating a vehicle “under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.”
Key takeaway: You can legally enjoy cannabis—but if police suspect you’re impaired behind the wheel, you’re looking at the same penalties as an alcohol DUI.
How Police Investigate Cannabis & Drug DUIs
Most drugged driving arrests start with a simple traffic stop. Maybe an officer claims you were swerving slightly or committed a minor violation. From there, things can escalate quickly:
“I Smell Marijuana”
Even though possession is legal, many officers still cite “odor of marijuana” as a basis for probable cause to search your vehicle. This is controversial, and we challenge it aggressively in court.
Field Sobriety & “Modified” Tests
Traditional field sobriety tests (walk-and-turn, one-leg stand) were designed for alcohol, not cannabis. Some officers use non-standard tests like finger-to-nose exercises or estimating time intervals. These tests are voluntary, but many drivers don’t realize they can refuse.
Drug Recognition Experts (DREs)
Connecticut employs specially trained officers to identify drug impairment. Their evaluations rely heavily on opinion, and we frequently dismantle their findings through cross-examination and expert testimony.
Blood & Urine Testing
Unlike alcohol, where a .08 BAC equals impairment, THC levels don’t prove you were high while driving. Cannabis can remain in your system for days or weeks. This distinction is a powerful defense tool in court.
The Penalties Are Severe
A conviction for a drug or marijuana DUI in Connecticut can change your life:
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First offense: Minimum 48 hours in jail (or 100 hours of community service), up to 6 months in jail, fines of $500–$1,000, 45-day license suspension, and ignition interlock device.
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Second offense: Mandatory jail, longer suspensions, higher fines, and more severe penalties.
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Collateral damage: A permanent criminal record that can cost you your job, increase insurance premiums, and create immigration issues for non-citizens.
The Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP): A Lifeline for First-Timers
If this is your first DUI arrest, you might qualify for the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP)—a diversionary program that, if successfully completed, leads to dismissal of your charge.
But acceptance isn’t automatic. Judges scrutinize IDIP applications, especially in drug-related cases. That’s why legal representation is so important. At our firm, we:
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Prepare comprehensive applications highlighting your good character, work history, and community ties.
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Address any objections from the prosecutor head-on.
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Guide you through compliance to ensure you meet all program requirements.
For many clients, IDIP is the difference between a one-time mistake and a lifetime conviction.
How We Defend Drug & Marijuana DUI Cases
Every case is unique, but our strategies often include:
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Challenging the stop: If the traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion, we move to suppress all evidence.
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Attacking weak evidence: We expose flaws in field tests, DRE opinions, and lab results.
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Using experts: Independent toxicologists testify that THC presence does not equal impairment.
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Protecting your rights: We fight to exclude coerced statements and evidence from unlawful searches.
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Pursuing alternatives: When appropriate, we secure entry into IDIP to keep your record clean.
Our approach is aggressive, evidence-driven, and tailored to your goals—whether that’s winning at trial or avoiding a conviction through diversion.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Help
Drug DUI cases move quickly. Evidence must be preserved, and critical deadlines—like requesting a DMV hearing to save your license—can pass in days. The earlier we’re involved, the stronger your defense.
Bottom Line: Cannabis Is Legal, But Drug DUIs Are Not
Connecticut’s legalization of marijuana didn’t make the roads a free-for-all. If you’re accused of driving under the influence of cannabis or other drugs, you need an experienced advocate who understands the law, the science, and the local courts.
At The Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman, we’ve been fighting for clients for over three decades. We know how to challenge these cases—and how to protect your future.
Call (203) 357-5555 now for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to defend your rights.