Volunteers had to smoke weed and get high for the police to understand the impairment of cannabis

Twelve medical cannabis patients in Maryland have teamed up with police to show them firsthand what it means to be high. At the Montgomery County Police Department Training Center, after using some of the drugs, these medical marijuana patients demonstrated to officers what to expect when determining if someone is under the influence.

Assessing the extent of intoxication in a person and how it affects their motor function is a challenging task, said Khiry Maxberry, a participating volunteer. However, if this training helps the police to better grasp the situation, he fully supports them.

This unorthodox method of police training was introduced as a proactive approach to avoid the same mistakes made by other states that have legalized marijuana. After evaluating the available data, the police expect an increase in cases of drunk driving. They believe this training will better equip them to deal with such incidents.

If police aren’t well-informed, they can make unwarranted stops and arrests, one of the volunteers claimed, as reported by NBC Washington. Capt. Brian Dillman of the Montgomery County Police Department expressed his concern. He said he was concerned as he was confident the new cannabis legislation would lead to an increase in disabled drivers on the roads.

These events align with findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which showed that over 40% of U.S. drivers who use both alcohol and marijuana admitted to driving under the influence of one or both substances between 2016 and 2019 The American Journal of Public Health reported in November 2021 that the percentage of accidental deaths related to marijuana use increased from 9% in 2000 to 21% in 2018.

Aside from their driving behavior, the field sobriety test also helps us determine if a person is under the influence of a substance that affects their ability to drive safely, Dillman added. According to Dillman, whether or not drivers suspected of having a disability are prosecuted depends on the judgment of a drug detection expert, which may take into account blood test results.

What happened during the training session?

After about 30 minutes of marijuana use, police conducted sobriety tests on the volunteers. “It is evident that her normal coordination has been compromised,” Montgomery County Officer Eli Dunham commented after testing Maxberry. He added that determining the volunteer’s fitness to drive would require further investigation.

Many circumstances come into play and we must consider each case as a whole. Does Maxberry consider himself impaired? “Sure,” he replied.

Legalization of cannabis in Maryland

During the November midterm elections, more than 65% of Maryland voters voted to legalize recreational cannabis.

Legislatures passed legislation last year to begin the process of amending the law regulating marijuana, but the General Assembly has delayed decisions on licensing and taxes until this year. The constitutional amendment says recreational marijuana will not be legal for anyone age 21 or older until July 2023. This is subject to the passage of legislation regulating, distributing and taxing cannabis by the General Assembly at its next session.

Some proponents believe the state will benefit from tax revenue from cannabis sales, while others believe it’s less harmful than alcohol. “I don’t think it will do any harm, but I think there might be some benefit,” said Mary Magnotti of Annapolis, who has used cannabis for medicinal purposes.

While medical cannabis has been legal in Maryland for many years, opponents felt that legalizing cannabis for adults was going too far. “These kids start with one thing and move on to the next,” said George Pozgar.

A draft law passed at the beginning of last year provides for a transitional period between January 1st and July 1st. For example, from January 1 through June 30, purchasing and possessing the recreational use amount listed as a maximum of 1.5 ounces is a civil penalty. Violators would face a $100 fine.

However, carrying a maximum of 1.5 ounces of marijuana would be legal for people over the age of 21 starting July 1. Possession of a recreational dose by anyone under the age of 21 is now a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine.

Possession of more than 1.5 ounces, even though less than 2.5 ounces, regardless of age, is now a civil violation punishable by a $250 fine. Anyone possessing more than 2.5 ounces is liable for a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.

changes in criminal law

The law also changes criminal law. For example, since January 1, a person convicted of a cannabis-related conviction can apply to the court for a reconviction. The judge must grant the request and sentence the person again for the time served. If the person does not serve another sentence, they must be released.

In addition, starting January 1, a person convicted of cannabis possession may request the annulment of the protocol after the end of the sentence, including probation. This takes the place of the four-year waiting period after conviction or the regular execution of the sentence.

A person convicted of possessing cannabis with intent to distribute may apply three years after serving the imposed sentence(s) for any offense for which erasure is sought, including probation, probation, or compulsory supervision set to deletion.

Diploma

The training session, held by the Montgomery County Police Department, aimed to educate officers on the effects of marijuana on a person’s behavior and motor skills. By enlisting the help of medical marijuana patients who have used the drug and taken sobriety tests, police hope to gain a deeper understanding of what to look for when assessing whether someone is under the influence.

As marijuana legalization continues to be a hot topic, it is vital for law enforcement to stay informed and equipped to deal with related incidents on the streets. With better informed officers and a better understanding of what to look for, fewer mistakes will be made and the roads will be safer for everyone.

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