We blogged recently about the invention of a marijuana breathalyzer to help law enforcement officials effectively gauge the amount of marijuana in a driver’s system. Two Ohio students are now putting their money where their mouths are (literally) with a different test to help police enforce drugged driving laws – a saliva test. The device bears the superhero-esque name “the Cannibuster,” and the inventors hope to market it in states with legal weed. This test would be a vast improvement over the current sluggish system of blood tests, which require either an Emergency Medical Squad at the scene of the DUI stop or a trip for the driver to a hospital to have their blood screened. Even if a squad on scene performs the test, it can take up to six weeks for the results to come back.
Is Driving High Dangerous?
Marijuana studies have shown that the drug can impair decision-making and impede multitasking, making weed dangerous when a toker gets behind the wheel. One difference between high drivers and drunk drivers, though, is that high drivers will often realize that they are impaired and become overcautious. They might adopt a more elderly approach to speed, or perhaps sit and wait for the stop sign to turn green before rolling through an intersection. Naturally, getting cross-faded (combining weed and alcohol, or so we’re told) removes this extra caution and is more dangerous than either substance alone.
Colorado has a legal limit for the level of THC (the chemical in marijuana that provides the buzz) set at less than 5 nanograms in the blood, but this limit is problematic because marijuana can stay in the system for a very long time. This means a driver may still test positive for impairment under Colorado law even if he or she had not smoked in a while. Because of this, you should contact a marijuana DUI attorney after any drugged driving arrest. Check out our marijuana FAQs for more information.
DUI Matters – Denver Drugged Driving Lawyers
Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/2015/0427/Ohio-students-invent-DUI-marijuana-testing-device-video The Cannibuster: The Next Big Thing for Marijuana DUI Stops?
We’ve previously discussed the development of a marijuana breathalyzer designed to assist law enforcement in accurately assessing the presence of marijuana in a driver’s system. Now, two enterprising Ohio students have taken a novel approach to aid in enforcing drugged driving laws – they’ve developed a saliva test device known as ‘the Cannibuster.’ With the legalization of marijuana in various states, including Colorado, the inventors aim to market this innovative test as a more efficient alternative to the current blood testing process.
Currently, determining the presence of marijuana in a driver’s system often relies on time-consuming blood tests. These tests require the involvement of an Emergency Medical Squad at the scene of a DUI stop or necessitate the driver to visit a hospital for blood screening. Even when conducted on-site by a medical squad, it can take up to six weeks to receive the results.
The question of whether driving under the influence of marijuana is dangerous has been the subject of extensive research. Studies have shown that marijuana can impair decision-making and multitasking, potentially posing risks when individuals under its influence get behind the wheel. However, there is a notable difference between high drivers and drunk drivers – those under the influence of marijuana tend to exhibit awareness of their impairment and often become overly cautious while driving. They may drive slower or wait for a stop sign to turn green before proceeding through an intersection. Combining alcohol with marijuana, known as ‘cross-fading,’ removes this cautious approach and is more difficult than using either substance alone.
In Colorado, a legal limit for THC (the psychoactive component in marijuana) has been set at less than 5 nanograms in the blood. However, this limit presents challenges, as marijuana can remain in an individual’s system for an extended period, leading to positive test results for impairment even when the person hasn’t recently consumed the drug. Consequently, it is advisable to consult with a marijuana DUI attorney following any drugged driving arrest.
The emergence of advanced testing technologies such as ‘the Cannibuster’ highlights the dynamic nature of enforcing drugged driving laws. To effectively understand and address DUI charges associated with marijuana and to stay abreast of Colorado’s legal framework regarding marijuana, seeking professional legal guidance is imperative. Navigating the complexities of marijuana-related DUI charges and remaining informed about the legal status of marijuana in Colorado necessitates the assistance of knowledgeable legal professionals. For guidance on alcohol and drug-related driving offenses in Colorado, rely on the seasoned team at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC. Protecting your legal rights and making informed decisions is crucial, particularly in a state where marijuana is legally available.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.