With the recent trend in the legalization of Marijuana, be it recreational or medicinal, we have seen an increase in impaired driving cases involving THC.  The evidence that is presented in such cases comes in the form of urine screens and blood draw results. Each test comes along with complications when proving time of ingestion. These complications are due to the fact that many factors can influence THC levels within the user/driver; such as frequency of use and physical size of the user. In addition, urine cannot distinguish when THC was ingested and blood must rely on reverse extrapolation techniques to narrow down time of ingestion. Both provide indefinite results.

So it is not surprising that technologies are being developed to assist officers in more immediate and steadfast testing technologies. Right now California is acting as the guinea pig state for THC breathalyzers. This ground breaking equipment is being intergraded as part of field testing for officers. Just like breathalyzers, this equipment aims to detect if THC has recently been ingested.

Lompoc, California Police Chief Patrick Walsh is looking forward to educating drivers and officers, saying “We don’t want to arrest people who are not impaired, and yet we don’t want marijuana users driving if they are high from recent use.“.

What do you think, Rochester?