Marijuana has been legalized for medical and recreational purposes in several US states. However, its use is still illegal in many states and can land you in trouble if you get caught driving under the influence of the drug. This is why law enforcement agencies are working diligently to develop marijuana impairment tests that can detect impaired driving. In this blog, we will explore the accuracy of Fitness for Duty Test and how they work.

Roadside Drug Tests:

The most common marijuana impairment test used by law enforcement agencies is the roadside drug test. This test involves taking a swab of a driver's cheek or tongue to determine the presence of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. While these tests are relatively simple to administer, they are not always accurate. In some cases, the tests have resulted in false positives, which can lead to serious legal consequences for innocent drivers.

Blood and Urine Tests:

Another way to detect marijuana impairment is through blood and urine tests. Blood tests can accurately measure the concentration of THC in a person's bloodstream, while urine tests can detect the presence of THC metabolites. However, these tests are not particularly useful for detecting recent marijuana use. THC stays in the bloodstream for only a few hours, while it can be detected in urine for up to a month after use. Moreover, legal limits for THC concentration in blood have not yet been established and research is ongoing.

Field Sobriety Tests:

Field sobriety tests are used to detect impairment caused by alcohol or drugs, including marijuana. These tests involve assessing motor skills, speech patterns, and cognitive abilities. While field sobriety tests do not directly measure drug impairment, they can give an indication of whether a driver is impaired. The problem, however, is that these tests are subjective and can be influenced by the officer's personal bias, environmental factors, and health conditions.

Conclusion:

Marijuana impairment tests are still in development, and there is no single test that can accurately determine marijuana impairment. While roadside drug tests are easy to administer, they have their limitations in terms of accuracy. Blood and urine tests are more accurate but can only detect THC for a short period after use and are not standardized. Field sobriety tests are often used in combination with other tests to determine impairment, but they are subjective and can be influenced by many factors. The bottom line is that if you plan to use marijuana, do not drive. Always have a designated driver or use public transportation to avoid any legal consequences or public safety risks.