Marijuana use has become more popular in recent years, leading to increased concerns about its impact on driving abilities. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, there has been a heightened focus on the accuracy of marijuana impairment tests. While there are various tests used to determine marijuana impairment, there has always been controversy surrounding their reliability. In this blog post, we will explore the accuracy of Marijuana Impairment Test and shed a light on how they work.

The Roadside Sobriety Test

The roadside sobriety test is the most common on-site test used to screen for marijuana impairment. This test is performed by a police officer who evaluates the driver for physical indicators of impairment. These signs include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and an unsteady gait. The roadside sobriety test is subjective and therefore can vary depending on the police officer's judgment. While it is often used to determine impairment, it has been shown to be unreliable in detecting marijuana use.

The Saliva Test

The saliva test is another type of test used to detect marijuana impairment. This test requires a swab of the driver's saliva to detect traces of THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana. The saliva test can detect THC for up to 24 hours after use. The saliva test is more reliable than the roadside sobriety test in detecting marijuana use. However, it has been shown to produce false positives and detect THC levels that do not impair a driver, leading to further controversy surrounding its accuracy.

The Blood Test

The blood test is the most accurate test used to detect marijuana impairment. This test measures the actual amount of THC in the driver's bloodstream. The blood test is considered the standard for drug testing in legal settings and is used to provide evidence in court. The blood test can accurately determine if a driver is impaired by marijuana, even for those who use marijuana frequently. However, the blood test has its limitations. THC can remain in a person's bloodstream for days after use, meaning the blood test may detect THC levels that do not impair a driver.

The Breathalyzer Test

The breathalyzer test is another type of test used to detect marijuana impairment. This test measures the amount of THC in a driver's breath. This test is still in the early stages of development and has not yet been widely implemented. The breathalyzer test has been shown to produce mixed results, with some studies suggesting it is reliable, while others suggesting it is not.

The Field Sobriety Test App

The field sobriety test app is a new tool that provides an objective measure of marijuana impairment. The app requires drivers to perform cognitive and sensory tests to determine their level of impairment. This app has been shown to be accurate in detecting marijuana impairment and has the potential to revolutionize roadside screening. However, the app has yet to be widely adopted by law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there are various tests used to determine marijuana impairment. While some tests, such as the blood test, have been shown to be accurate in detecting marijuana impairment, others, such as the roadside sobriety test, have been shown to be unreliable. As laws continue to develop surrounding marijuana use, more research will be needed to improve the accuracy of impairment tests. For now, it is important for drivers to understand the risks associated with marijuana use and the potential consequences of driving while impaired.