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Testing the Water: Spokane mulls over the potential of testing sewage to see who’s using cannabis
In order to legitimize cannabis use recreationally, accurate
data is essential. But self-reporting is notoriously unreliable when it comes
to drug-testing; people often lie about their use. So
In order to legitimize cannabis use recreationally, accurate data is essential. But self-reporting is notoriously unreliable when it comes to drug-testing; people often lie about their use. So how can we get a clear picture of who is really using substances like cannabis? Well, one method being thrown into the ring is testing the toilet water.
Last month, I-502 advocate and author Allison Holcomb suggested this testing method at a Spokane City Council meeting, “Nobody can lie about what’s showing up in the sewage,” Holcomb explained. Though some object to the ethics of a massive, anonymous drug test.
The University of Washington (UW), and University of Puget Sound (UPS) are currently conducting a study testing wastewater for traces of cannabis. Samples were taken before and after the institution of I-502, and are currently being examined to see if the rates of cannabis use were increased or decreased prior to legalization. Both colleges have conducted wastewater drug tests prior to the I-502 tests.
At UPS, samples were taken from dormitories and tested and compared to self-reported rates of use by students, which helped determine trends. For example, the rates of non-prescription use of Adderall and Ritalin increased dramatically in mid-term week as opposed to orientation week. Back in 2009, UW conducted a study that involved several communities throughout Oregon. Results in these studies helped identify regional drug trends. There have been several studies testing wastewater for traces of drugs throughout Europe in the last decade as well. Wastewater drug testing appears to be a more accurate indicator of population-wide drug use than self-reporting.
Whether or not Spokane decides to follow UW, UPS and Europe’s lead, and use the wastewater for something more productive remains to be seen. It seems Holcomb has at least one ally when it comes to this idea. Councilman Jon Snyder called the idea “an awesome new use for our sewage.”
