Michigan Police Under Fire for Saliva Drug Test

Michigan police are currently conducting roadside saliva drug tests to determine if drivers are impaired, and are now facing questions about the accuracy of these tests.

According to the South Bend Tribune, State Police Special First Lt. Jim Flegel explained that the program specifically looks for substances like cannabis or opiates in a driver’s system, and uses a portable testing device that can help officers determine right away whether or not a driver has drugs in his or her system.

However, many have issues with this system of testing, since drugs affect everyone differently and can stay in an individual’s system for different amounts of time, depending on factors like metabolism and the amount consumed. A study by The Denver Post found that there is currently no consensus on what level equals impairment. In other words, one could be sober and have traces of a substance in their system, and still face charges from the test results.

“Nobody should be compelled to take this test until we’ve got some confirmation that it is an accurate test,” said Michael Kormon of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association.

Currently, officers must have reason to believe that the driver is impaired before insisting that the test be taken. The plan is for officers to report to legislature in one year to let them know how the program is working. However, many are concerned that in that time, too many unjust arrests will be made.

There are currently many efforts underway to catch drivers under the influence of cannabis, such as plans for a prevention program in Canada and to set up drugged driving checkpoints in California. While cannabis consumers should be responsible and stay off the roads when consuming cannabis, testing for cannabis consumption needs to be done with tried-and-true methods so that drivers do not face unfair consequences.