Driving under the influence of drugs sounds really bad, and this topic has received a lot of attention lately in the media. Images of teenagers driving like lunatics in Reefer Madness dovetail with the traditional images of drunk drivers sauced up and toting bottles enclosed in brown paper bags.

Under Michigan law, a motorist can be charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) if the driver’s “ability to drive was substantially and materially affected by consumption of intoxicating liquor.” A driver can also be charged with OWI if chemical tests reveal a bodily alcohol content of .08 or more. Prior to 2004, the legal blood alcohol level was .10, but it was reduced under the new federally mandated .08 legislation.