Can I get a DUI or DWI for driving with cannabis in my system?

Yes, but there is a difference between having cannabis in your system and being impaired or under the influence of cannabis while operating a motor vehicle. In Minnesota, you can absolutely receive a DWI for driving while impaired by cannabis. Even though adult-use cannabis is legal in the state, driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal and is treated similarly to alcohol impairment laws. Many people mistakenly assume cannabis legalization means it is safe or legal to drive after consuming, but Minnesota law still prohibits operating a vehicle while impaired by THC or other cannabis products.

Unlike alcohol, there is currently no universally accepted “legal limit” for cannabis impairment that works the same way as a .08 BAC standard. Instead, law enforcement officers look at signs of impairment such as driving behavior, physical indicators, field sobriety testing, statements made during a traffic stop, and other evidence. Cannabis can affect reaction time, coordination, attention, judgment, and depth perception, all of which are important for safe driving. (dps.mn.gov)

One of the biggest misconceptions around cannabis and driving is the difference between “being impaired” and simply “having cannabis in your system.” THC can remain detectable in the body for days or even weeks after consumption, especially for frequent users, long after the intoxicating effects are gone. This means a positive cannabis test alone does not always prove someone is actively impaired in the same way alcohol intoxication can be measured with a breath test. Instead, cannabis-related DWI investigations often rely on the totality of the situation, including observed behavior, driving patterns, field sobriety testing, officer observations, and other evidence suggesting impairment at the time of driving.

That said, if an officer believes your ability to safely operate a vehicle is affected by cannabis, you can still be arrested or charged with a DWI even if you personally feel fine to drive. Edibles, concentrates, and high-potency products can impair drivers longer than expected, and effects vary significantly based on dosage, tolerance, metabolism, and method of consumption. Penalties for cannabis-related DWI offenses can include fines, criminal charges, license consequences, increased insurance costs, and possible jail time depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.

The safest approach is simple. If you consume cannabis, do not drive until the effects have fully worn off.

At Highnorth Dispensary, we believe responsible cannabis use starts with education. Our team helps customers understand product potency, onset times, dosing, and safe consumption practices so they can make informed decisions and enjoy cannabis responsibly under Minnesota law.