Opinion: Student drivers need to know the consequences of driving high

Rep. Julie A. Casimiro, a Democrat, represents District 31 in North Kingstown and Exeter. Sen. David P. Tikoian, a Democrat, represents District 22 in Smithfield, Lincoln and North Providence.

With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis for Rhode Island’s adults comes a significant influx of access to the drug, and make no mistake about it, this means easier access for our youth as well.

This fact influences the many physical and mental health concerns surrounding children and cannabis use, but in particular, we believe the danger of young drivers behind the wheel while high is a significant concern for not only our children but everyone else on the roads.

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Our great fear is that with the stigmatization of cannabis receding due to legalization our young drivers will forget, ignore or fail to understand the very real and serious danger that arises when driving under the influence of cannabis. Both of us have extensive experience working with and protecting our state’s youth, including many years of work at Providence nonprofits and decades of experience with the Rhode Island State Police, and we both know that to save lives, our student drivers must understand the tragic consequences that are possible while driving high.