text: what is the difference between a dui and a dwi? what would driving while high on marijuana be considered? driving under influence came about from people who were arrested for driving after taking drugs. still impaired but not intoxicated. also dwi can stand for driving while impaired or intoxicated. in either event it is just a term for being arrested or fined for violating a local, state or federal statute of operating a motor vehicle while driving abilities are impaired due to the consumption, injection or inhalation of a controlled substance.