We really don’t talk about marijuana enough on Asphalt & Rubber. With the drug gaining acceptance around the country as having legitimate medical uses, and stigmas about its recreational use changing, we are seeing numerous states re-evaluating their policies regarding marijuana.
With no empirical evidence to support this claim, we can only imagine though the number of motorcyclists riding while high on marijuana is increasing, an act that certainly isn’t a good idea, nor is it legal.
Hoping to educate motorcyclists to the dangers of mixing marijuana and motorcycles, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has created the Riding Straight – Marijuana Awareness Host-An-Event Kit, which essentially uses a special set of goggles and several exercises that show how marijuana use affects a motorcyclist’s perception, awareness, and physical abilities.
Of course the MSF kit doesn’t fully recreate a marijuana high for the rider, but the kit is designed to at least create awareness around the issue, in a similar way that the Riding Straight – Alcohol Awareness Host-An-Event Kit does with alcohol use.
“MSF’s message with our new Riding Straight – Marijuana Awareness Host-An-Event Kit is clear: Do not operate your motorcycle or any motor vehicle if you are impaired by marijuana, and find alternate transportation if you are planning to be under the influence of marijuana at your destination,” said MSF President and CEO Tim Buche.
“Not only is it unsafe, but just as with alcohol, riders impaired by marijuana can be convicted of riding under the influence, and be subjected to similar harsh penalties.”
Both the alcohol and marijuana kits can be bought from the MSF, and do not require one to be a certified MSF coach to use them. The idea is to have kits like these available at dealerships events, rallies, and other motorcycle gatherings. At $595 for the marijuana kit ($179 for the alcohol kit), they are not cheap though.
Source: MSF
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