With Missouri now allowing recreational marijuana use, Kansas City police are adjusting—especially when it comes to their K9 units. But while some drug-sniffing dogs are heading into retirement, one thing remains the same: driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, and it can have serious consequences, especially if you’re the victim of a crash.
At The Pottenger Law Firm, we know that car accidents involving impaired drivers—whether due to alcohol, marijuana, or other substances—can leave victims with significant injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been hit by a high driver in Kansas City, you need a skilled car accident attorney on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What’s Happening with Kansas City’s K9 Units?
Now that marijuana is legal in Missouri, Kansas City police departments have had to rethink how they use their K9s. Previously, many of these dogs were trained to detect a variety of narcotics, including marijuana. But with the passing of Amendment 3, their marijuana-sniffing skills are no longer needed, leading some departments to phase out certain K9s or transition them into other roles.
The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department currently has twelve K9 teams, each trained in either explosive or narcotics detection, in addition to their patrol duties. Captain Greg Williams of the Police Department explained during a 2022 meeting that the department would no longer use the dogs to detect marijuana but would continue to use them for patrol work, such as searching for suspects or missing persons.
Not all K9s will be phased out immediately, though. The Independence Police Department, for example, still has two K9s trained to detect marijuana. However, they are only deployed in specific cases, such as when underage individuals are suspected of illegally possessing cannabis. Once these K9s retire, Independence PD will no longer train new dogs to detect the substance.
Marijuana and Car Accidents: The Legal Gray Area
While driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in Missouri, it’s harder to prove than alcohol impairment. With alcohol, the legal limit is clear: a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is enough to establish intoxication. But marijuana affects people differently, and there’s no standardized legal limit for THC levels in a driver’s bloodstream.
This legal gray area doesn’t mean that high drivers get a free pass, though. Studies have shown that marijuana affects reaction time, coordination, and decision-making—critical skills for safe driving. According to a Canadian study, drivers under the influence of marijuana are four times more likely to get into an accident compared to sober drivers.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a High Driver in Kansas City
If you’ve been in an accident caused by an impaired driver, the steps you take immediately afterward can impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Call the Police – A police report is crucial in proving the other driver was impaired. Officers may conduct field sobriety tests or obtain other evidence to support your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask injuries. A medical evaluation ensures any injuries are documented and treated promptly.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
- Be Cautious with Insurance Companies – Don’t accept a quick settlement or downplay your injuries. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
- Contact a Kansas City Car Accident Attorney – A knowledgeable attorney can help you prove the other driver’s impairment and hold them accountable.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A car accident caused by an impaired driver can leave you with significant financial and emotional burdens. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills – Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages – Reimbursement for time off work during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Future Expenses – If your injuries require long-term medical care or adaptive equipment, or impact your ability to work, you may be entitled to additional damages.
At The Pottenger Law Firm, we understand that navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Our team is dedicated to fighting for Kansas City accident victims, ensuring they receive the compensation they need to move forward.
Get a Free Consultation with a Kansas City Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured by a driver under the influence of marijuana or any other substance, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Pottenger Law Firm has years of experience handling car accident cases in Kansas City, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. When it comes to protecting your rights, we don’t take a backseat—we take the wheel.
