SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) has launched a public education initiative aimed at addressing a growing and dangerous myth: that driving after using cannabis is safer, legal, or somehow less risky than driving drunk. The message of the campaign is clear and direct: if you’re high, don’t drive, because it’s still a DUI.
“Impaired is impaired, but too often drivers under the influence of cannabis are making a selfish choice that puts them, their passengers, and the public at tremendous risk,” said Jim Kaitschuk, ISA executive director. “Our message is simple: if you’re impaired from cannabis and need to get somewhere, call an Uber, call a friend, call your mom, but do not get behind the wheel if you’re under the influence.”
Recent data underscores the growing severity of the issue, in one sample, 40% of drivers killed in traffic crashes have had active THC in their system, demonstrating that cannabis impairment has real, life-altering consequences. Sheriffs from across Illinois stress that the long-held societal stance against drunk driving must extend to cannabis-impaired driving as usage increases. Every day, Illinois law enforcement responds to crashes caused by impaired driving.
“These crashes don’t have to happen. We are all empowered to make the right choice. We are grateful to the families who bravely shared their stories so others might be spared the same heartbreak of losing a loved one to a cannabis DUI.”
The campaign features Illinois families whose loved ones were killed by a driver impaired by marijuana:
· George Harvey died when a 19‑year‑old impaired driver caused a fatal crash, leaving his pregnant wife and young daughters without their father. · Mia Dusek, just 15, was killed during what should have been a routine outing with family friends. · Bethany Baker was a passenger, trusting the driver she was with to get her home safely, but the driver, impaired by cannabis, swerved and lost control of his truck.
These stories directly rebut the myth that cannabis impaired driving is safer or less risky than alcohol-related DUIs, anchor the campaign’s central hub, www.stilladui.org, and YouTube channel.
Families like Bethany’s, Mia’s, and George’s live with heartbreak because someone thought “it’s just weed.” It’s not “just weed” when lives are lost.
The materials are designed to be quick, visual, and accessible, allowing content to be shared to encourage individuals to think twice before getting behind the wheel or letting someone impaired by cannabis drive. The ISA encourages the public, especially teens, parents, educators, and community partners, to use and share these resources.
“Changing norms takes time and requires us to confront the misinformation,” Kaitschuk said. “It took decades to make drunk driving socially unacceptable. We must move just as urgently to change perceptions about cannabis-impaired driving, and it starts by having real conversations with our family and friends.”
The Illinois DUI Prevention and Education Fund paid for the campaign and initiative.