A sheriff has highlighted the growing number of drivers being arrested by police after smoking cannabis.
One lawyer said users who go behind the wheel don’t realise how long the drug lingers in their system, putting them over the legal limit for driving.
Jordan Black, 27, of Nicol Street, Airdrie, was fined £760 and banned from the road for 20 months at the town’s sheriff court this week.
He admitted being seven times over the cannabis limit and having no MOT certificate when driving on his home town’s Gartlea Avenue on January 2.
The court heard Black was stopped by police officers re-directing traffic at 11pm after an accident.
Jen McNichol, prosecuting, said: “A check revealed the vehicle’s MOT certificate had expired.
“Police officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis from the car and the accused gave a positive roadside test.”
Defence lawyer Paul Belardo said the self-employed painter and decorator had smoked cannabis over the festive period.
Mr Belardo added: “He is adamant he did not do so on the night he was stopped, but it’s well documented that cannabis lingers in the system for longer than users realise.”
Sheriff Joseph Hughes noted: “There is a growing number of people coming to this court on drug-driving charges.”
He acknowledged that Black will suffer financially, including an increased car insurance premium, because of his conviction, but told him: “That is your fault.”
In the very next case another Airdrie man was placed under social work supervision for 20 months and banned from driving for 14 months.
Stephen Miller, 34, of Park Street, admitted being five-and-a-half times over the cannabis limit when driving on various roads in Coatbridge on March 25.
The court heard he was stopped by police officers at 4.40pm and admitted he had smoked cannabis the previous day.
Mr Belardo described Miller’s cannabis use as “problematic” and said he suffers from anxiety.
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