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LAPD police check drivers at a DUI checkpoint in Reseda, Los Angeles, California on April 13, 2018.
Pot may be legal in eight US states and the capital, but tokers getting behind the wheel on a national weed appreciation day could be in for a downer as police forces crack down on intoxicated drivers. In places like California, where recreational marijuana has been legal since January, law enforcement officials and doctors are worried about an increase in people arrested for erratic driving and hospitalized with overdoses. The issue is particularly acute on April 20, or 4/20, a national day of celebration in cannabis culture -- especially after 4:20 pm when usage surges.

/ AFP PHOTO / Mark RalstonMARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

How will Massachusetts deal with marijuana-impaired driving?

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 08: Marty Walsh, mayor of Boston during a session on how communities can use technology to grow and thrive at the U.S. Conference Of Mayors on June 8, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

'This is the most inhumane thing we have ever done as a country'

Bezos, Buffett, Dimon health venture will be based in Boston

Courting Putin, Trump jolts the West with a nationalist bent June 21, 2018 | 1:11 PM

The Latest: Trump proposing to reorganize federal government June 21, 2018 | 1:04 PM

This April 24, 2018 aerial photo shows construction progress on the MGM Casino complex in downtown Springfield, Mass.

State allows MGM casino to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. June 21, 2018 | 12:48 PM

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Norton man gets up to 6 years for deadly drunken driving crash June 21, 2018 | 11:45 AM

The Lewiston High School team huddles before a summer game, while many of the players' mothers – who make sambusa for the concession stand – huddle in the distance.

Netflix options story of Maine soccer team that welcomed refugees June 21, 2018 | 11:16 AM

The Latest: Wayfair: No big impact from Supreme Court case June 21, 2018 | 11:09 AM

Suspect arrested in rapper XXXTentacion's shooting death June 21, 2018 | 11:03 AM

whately map

State police identify fuel tanker driver killed in crash June 21, 2018 | 10:54 AM

Police: Mass. fugitive caught, drugs found in Providence apartment June 21, 2018 | 10:39 AM

High Court: Online shoppers can be forced to pay sales tax June 21, 2018 | 10:24 AM

The Massachusetts State House

Regulators set to award the Bay State's 1st commercial pot license June 21, 2018 | 10:20 AM

New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski had his home broken into, while he was away at the Super Bowl.

Man charged with robbing Gronkowski's home arraigned June 21, 2018 | 9:55 AM

Intel CEO out after consensual relationship with employee June 21, 2018 | 9:43 AM

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Pilot of Saudi royal family jet arrested in Maine June 21, 2018 | 9:10 AM

AP-NORC Poll: Americans not hopeful about ties with allies June 21, 2018 | 9:06 AM

Lake Champlain

2 Vermont beaches closed due to E. coli bacteria June 21, 2018 | 9:06 AM

The Latest: Trump invites Pelosi, Schumer to White House June 21, 2018 | 9:03 AM

koko

Koko, the gorilla who knew sign language, dies at 46 June 21, 2018 | 8:48 AM

AP-NORC Poll: Majority approve of Trump's North Korea effort June 21, 2018 | 8:02 AM

Massachusetts home getting struck by mystery arrows June 21, 2018 | 7:49 AM

Tariffs stir unrest among American whiskey producers June 21, 2018 | 7:29 AM

map westfield river russell

Body of missing child found in western Massachusetts river June 21, 2018 | 7:15 AM

tolland state forest

Man ordered held on $1 million bail for daughter's death June 21, 2018 | 1:02 AM

Trump's migrant policy: First blowback, then about-face June 21, 2018 | 12:54 AM

Young immigrants detained in Virginia center allege abuse June 21, 2018 | 12:38 AM

'Great job,' says Trump: Nielsen back in good graces for now June 21, 2018 | 12:36 AM

Trump tweet complicates House GOP efforts on immigration June 21, 2018 | 12:34 AM

Teens kept at Virginia center say they were cuffed, beaten June 21, 2018 | 12:33 AM

Trump's migrant policy: First blowback, then about-face June 21, 2018 | 12:17 AM

Silent no more, Ivanka Trump thanks father for border action June 21, 2018 | 12:14 AM