How Law Enforcement Detects Marijuana Use: Current Methods and Emerging Technologies

Law enforcement officers are trained to look for signs that suggest marijuana use. These signs, such as red eyes, odor, and slow reflexes, are often subject to scrutiny and can be inaccurate and prejudiced, depending on the officer's perspective. However, as recreational cannabis continues to become legalized, new technologies are being developed to help law enforcement perform field tests more accurately. These tests are designed to be similar to breathalyzers used for alcohol testing, capable of detecting THC levels in saliva and other bodily fluids.

Techniques such as recognizing cannabinoids in saliva have shown promise. Cannabix Technologies is at the forefront of the development of marijuana breathalyzer technology. This technology is still in the developmental stages, with at least 2 to 4 years before its introduction into practical law enforcement use, and another 5 years projected for implementation. In addition, one of the challenges is building a detector that can distinguish between CBD and THC, as both compounds are found in marijuana but have different effects.

The Prevalence of Marijuana Usage and Its Effects

Marijuana, commonly known as MJ, contains THC, a compound responsible for altering brain and body functions. The most common method of consumption is smoking, but edibles and vape oils are also popular. When smoked, the odor is often distinctive and hard to mask, especially for non-users. Vape oils or edibles, however, may have a milder odor, or the marijuana smoke odor might not be present at all. The physical side-effects of marijuana use, particularly red, bloodshot eyes, slow or slurred speech, and sometimes a dull, dazed appearance, can be easier to spot, even for inexperienced observers.

Personal Experiences and Observations

The author shares personal experiences and observations as a police officer. They noted that MJ users were generally happy and polite, which is often a stark contrast to alcohol-impaired individuals who can sometimes become combative. The author once encountered a heavily marijuana-impaired driver who was weaving erratically and behaving in a manner consistent with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). Although the individual had not consumed alcohol, they were still significantly impaired and exhibited signs of THC use.

The author describes a specific incident where they pulled over a car driven by someone who was clearly under the influence of marijuana. He exhibited textbook DUI behavior but had not consumed any alcohol. The vehicle and the individual had a strong marijuana odor, and a small quantity of marijuana and paraphernalia was found. The driver passed a breathalyzer test, scoring a 0.0. A blood test confirmed the presence of THC. Despite the positive results, the jury acquitted the individual on the DUI charge but found him guilty of drug-related charges. This incident illustrates the challenges faced in dealing with marijuana-related offenses.

Future of Field Testing

As recreational cannabis continues to gain legal recognition, the need for accurate and reliable methods of field testing becomes more pressing. New technologies, including the development of THC breathalyzers and saliva tests, provide promising solutions to the issues of inaccuracy and inconsistency in current methods. These tools should help law enforcement officers more effectively and accurately detect marijuana use, contributing to a more disciplined and just approach to drug enforcement.

It is important for law enforcement to stay abreast of these advancements and collaborate with leading technology companies to integrate these tools into their practices. This will not only improve the accuracy of drug testing but also ensure that individuals who are genuinely under the influence of marijuana are held accountable for their actions, thereby enhancing public safety.

The shift towards more accurate marijuana detection methods will be a significant step forward in the field of law enforcement and public health. As these technologies become more widely available, they will contribute to a more equitable and effective approach to dealing with marijuana use and related offenses.