 | Drug Testing: Driver drug testing fundamentally flawed |
 Although scientific research indicates that cannabis actually has far less impact on the psychomotor skills needed for driving than alcohol does, and is seldom a causal factor in car crashes, the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) supports safe driving behaviour and promotes a set of "Principles for Responsible Cannabis Use", which includes "no driving".
However, NORML has some serious concerns regarding drug testing drivers.
1. According to the Government's plans, the decision whether a person "appears" impaired, or whether they have failed the "walk the line" field sobriety test, and must give a blood sample, is up to individual police officers.
"This will be an entirely subjective decision, and our experience has been that police enforcement of drug laws is often racist and they tend to pick on the weak and downtrodden. White middle-class people are seldom searched for drugs," said NORML spokesperson Chris Fowlie.
"Lots of people can't balance on one leg, but that doesn't mean they are impaired. This law will mean any police officer could just say they were impaired, and force them to give a blood sample."
2. Drug tests should only measure THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, and not it's non-active metabolites.
Employment-related drug tests usually only look for the presence of THC-COOH, a non-psychoactive metabolite of THC that remains in the body up to 3 months after a person has straightened up. Testing for THC-COOH can also pick up second-hand smoke.
Drivers should only be tested for THC, at a level that corresponds to impairment.
"We are pleased to hear the Government has listened to our concerns, and will restrict the blood test to measuring THC. What we need to know now is what level will be deemed a pass or fail. There needs to be a level that corresponds to the Blood Alcohol Concentration."
3. NORML is extremely concerned that a positive test could be used to harass and search people, and/or prosecute them for using cannabis.
"More than half the adult population have used cannabis, and the vast majority do so moderately and responsibly. Police could target anyone they don't like, with a fairly good chance they will test positive.
"Police could use this law to harass people who appear to fit the stereotype, or who have brown skin. It will be an easy way for police to circumvent the Bill of Rights.
"As a result, this law could encourage some people to switch to more risky drugs which do not linger in the body, such as alcohol, opiates or methamphetamine," said Mr Fowlie.
More information:
NORML's Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use
NORML USA driver drug testing information
Marijuana and Driving: A Review of the Scientific Evidence
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