CBD, a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant, is widely available online and even in some retail stores. Nevertheless, it may not be fully legal and you should take care when using it. In Iowa, we only allow people with state-qualifying conditions to use medical CBD with a doctor's prescription, as long as the CBD contains very little THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
Could your CBD get you an OWI?
Arrested for OWI or marijuana possession while celebrating 4/20?
Although marijuana remains illegal in Iowa and federally, many people still use it. Moreover, a lot of people are under the misimpression that driving under the influence of marijuana isn't dangerous or illegal. Unfortunately, that's not true.
Keto diet could create some positive OWI breath test results
These days, a lot of people are on the keto diet, a low-carb diet advertised to encourage weight loss. The diet puts your body into a state called "ketosis," where the liver begins to break down fat to fuel the body. Acetone, a byproduct of ketosis, is released through the breath in the form of isopropyl alcohol. This is different from ethanol, which is the type of alcohol people drink. The question is, can breathalyzers tell the difference?
Supreme Court to decide if states' implied consent laws are legal
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case that could have an important impact on Iowa law. At issue is whether police need a warrant before drawing the blood of an unconscious suspect in order to determine his level of intoxication.
Do you have to perform a chemical sobriety test in Iowa?
If you are pulled over in Iowa under the suspicion of drunk driving, do you have to take a breathalyzer test? Unless you know your legal options ahead of time, you may accidentally hurt your case.
High visibility OWI enforcement expected beginning this week
The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through the rest of the year, is among the busiest times for drunk driving. So many celebrations offer alcohol, and many people end up over the limit without even realizing it. For that reason, many law enforcement agencies engage in what's called "high visibility enforcement," or HVE, at this time of year.
Can you get arrested for OWI just for sitting in a parked car?
Suppose you've been drinking and had been planning to drive. Realizing you're too intoxicated to do so safely, you decide to avoid driving and sleep it off in your car. To keep warm, you start the engine, but you don't have any plans to drive. While you're asleep, the police notice you. Can they arrest you for OWI just for being in the car while intoxicated?
What are the penalties for OWI in Iowa?
In Iowa, drunk driving is considered "operating while intoxicated," or OWI. It is defined as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug, or a combination of substances. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 is considered "per se" OWI, as is having "any amount" of a controlled substance in one's system.
License suspensions longer for those who refuse breath tests
In Iowa, all drivers are subject to the implied consent law, which states that drivers agree to taking a blood, breath or urine test if pulled over by a police officer who has reasonable suspicion of intoxication.
A hidden attraction at the state fair: The police
The Iowa State Fair has started, and will run through August 20. While fairgoers can look forward to Grandstand entertainment, rides, fair food and the Butter Cow, others could find themselves with a wristband they didn't ask for: handcuffs.
