There have been a spate of new studies regarding the effects of marijuana on driving.

Washington now allows recreational marijuana use and set the legal limit for driving high at five nanograms of THC. But what exactly this means and how five nanograms of THC affects someone's driving is up for debate.

In a recent study appearing in the American Association of Clinical Chemistry, it was found that marijuana can be detected in the blood at high enough levels to affect driving even weeks after the last intake, reports The Washington Post.

The study demonstrated that cannabis can be detected in a heavy user's blood even after one month of abstinence from the drug. The study further supports the notion that nobody has any idea what the long-term effects of marijuana smoking has on the ability drive.

Unlike alcohol use, the study found that there is no predictable rate at which THC leaves your bloodstream. For example, after a few days of not drinking, even an alcoholic will likely not have alcohol in his bloodstream. But this is not the case with pot smokers.

In the meantime, what this means is that heavy marijuana users may still test above the legal limit of THC even if they have not had a smoke in a long time. And recreational users should also be aware that there is no rule of thumb of when they can safely get behind the wheels after smoking.

These new laws and studies present challenges for the defense of DUI cases. DUI defendants could potentially be charged with a crime even if they have not smoked in days.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana in the Seattle or King County areas, you may want the assistance of an attorney who understands the new marijuana laws. Contact the attorneys at Wolff Criminal Defense and we can help you evaluate the case against you and possible defenses.

Driving with a THC level above five nanograms is a new law and you will want experienced advocates for your defense.