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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

1 more US worker confirmed hurt by mystery Cuba incidents June 21, 2018 | 4:15 PM

Melania Trump wore a jacket that says 'I really don't care, do u?' June 21, 2018 | 4:09 PM

Boston Harbor cruise ship strikes moored sailboats June 21, 2018 | 3:44 PM

04/28/2018 WORCESTER, MA Candidate for Governor Scott Lively (cq) spoke during the Massachusetts GOP State Convention held at the DCU Center in Worcester. (Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe)

Stephen Colbert went after Charlie Baker's primary challenger on 'The Late Show' June 21, 2018 | 3:17 PM

Marijuana milestone as Mass. issues first recreational pot license June 21, 2018 | 2:59 PM

The Latest: Va. governor orders probe into juvenile facility June 21, 2018 | 2:23 PM

White House proposes merging education, labor June 21, 2018 | 2:01 PM

Canada's legalization to offer pot by mail, better banking June 21, 2018 | 1:55 PM

Henry Wiktorowski watches his daughter Natalia work out on the trampoline in the backyard at their home in Avon, Tuesday, April 11, 2006.

Boston-based watchdog group highlights dangers of pools, other toys June 21, 2018 | 1:40 PM

mexico

2 mayoral candidates killed in Mexico, 18 dead so far June 21, 2018 | 1:35 PM

lyndon vermont

Police: Body of missing Vermont man found on side of highway June 21, 2018 | 1:32 PM

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

The Latest: Interior links reorganization plan to Obama 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

Google Maps

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

The Latest: Shares in online retailers fall after tax ruling 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

Google Maps

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: House GOP postpones key immigration vote 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