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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

Dems seek info about Virginia facility after abuse claims June 22, 2018 | 5:05 AM

Pentagon agrees to provide space for 20,000 migrant children June 22, 2018 | 2:55 AM

Another US worker confirmed hurt by mystery Cuba incidents June 22, 2018 | 2:50 AM

GOP struggles to salvage immigration bill, postpones vote June 22, 2018 | 2:39 AM

AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsely claims progress on NKorea nukes June 22, 2018 | 2:34 AM

A need to verify NKorea nuclear pledges June 22, 2018 | 2:20 AM

This Tuesday, April 17, 2018, photo shows the Wayfair website on a computer in New York. Wayfair, an online furniture seller, is calling April 25 Way Day, and will offer discounts that it says are comparable to its Black Friday deals. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

New Hampshire is outraged over the Wayfair decision. Here's why. June 21, 2018 | 8:55 PM

Fed finds biggest US banks strong enough to survive shock June 21, 2018 | 6:08 PM

Trump jabbed first, and now world hits back in trade fight June 21, 2018 | 5:16 PM

Pentagon agrees to provide space for 20,000 migrant children June 21, 2018 | 4:48 PM

AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsely claims progress on NKorea nukes June 21, 2018 | 4:30 PM

Trump jabbed first, and now world hits back in trade fight June 21, 2018 | 4:28 PM

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?' on her trip to migrant children 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

Trump seeks federal government overhaul, merger of agencies 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

Latest: Trump calls sales tax ruling 'victory for fairness' 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