Webinar: Driving While High

Driving under the influence of marijuana—driving high—is an issue that is growing increasingly salient as more states consider legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use. Join us as we explore these issues from the perspective of experts in two states that were among the first to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use: Colorado and Washington.

The 1.5 hour-long webinar (with Q&A) will be moderated by RTI expert Jane Allen. It will open with a brief presentation by RTI’s Lauren Dutra, followed by presentations from Jack Reed of Colorado and Darrin Grondel of Washington.


We will discuss:

• What does current research say about the effects of driving under the influence of marijuana?
• Why is it so challenging to study this issue?
• What methods do Colorado and Washington use to document incidence of driving high, and outcomes related to driving high?
• Have Colorado and Washington observed increases in driving high or outcomes related to driving high?
• What policy recommendations do Colorado and Washington have to address the issue of driving high in states with legal recreational marijuana?

Meet the Webinar Presenters

Jack K. Reed joined the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice’s Office of Research and Statistics as a statistical analyst in 2014, bringing experience in data analysis, research design, and project evaluation. Jack is primarily tasked with analyzing the impact of marijuana legalization on law enforcement, juveniles, public health, education, impaired driving, and diversion to other markets. He has experience evaluating specialty courts, community corrections programs, jail‐based treatment programs, and strategic planning in the criminal justice system.  Jack is also a lecturer at the University of Colorado, Denver. Jack has a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno and an M.A. in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany, State University of New York.

Darrin T. Grondel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. Darrin is a graduate of Northwestern University – School of Police Staff and Command, Class 201. Darrin began his career as a trooper with the Washington State Patrol on January 6, 1992. He was promoted through the ranks to Captain with varying job assignments, leadership and management responsibilities. In 2009, he was nominated to the Governors Distinguished Managers Association. On March 1, 2012, Governor Christine Gregoire appointed Darrin as Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. On March 1, 2013, Governor Jay Inslee reappointed Darrin as Director. Director Grondel is an active member with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) serving as Secretary on the Executive Board. He enjoys all sports and spending time with his wife and ten children.