Michigan Lawmakers Debate Saliva Tests for Stoned Driving

Michigan police may soon be using spit swabs to test motorists for stoned driving. In a hearing scheduled for later today, medical marijuana advocates and their opposing forces will debate the issue of allowing law enforcement to use saliva testing as a means for determining marijuana intoxication.

Of course, advocates are concerned that utilizing this questionable roadside sobriety tactic will have a negative impact on responsible marijuana users. Depending on the person, cannabis can be detected in their system for up to a month. However, the opposition argues the proposed measure is simply aimed at getting repeat offenders off the roads.

“We need to look to the future. This kind of testing has been approved in California,” said State Representative Dan Lauwers, who sponsored the bill.

Under the new measure, motorists would not be faced with an arrest for simply failing a saliva test. Lawmakers say the test would provide “confirming evidence” that would determine toxicity levels.

Yet, the opposition says that is not true. “These tests are very flawed,” said Adam Macdonald, chairman of the National Patients Rights Association, which advocates for medical marijuana patients. “I’ve heard this will kick the ability to drive right out from under anyone who uses medical marijuana for up to 20 days.”

Both arguments are expected to be heard later today before the House Judiciary Committee. Representatives of over 100,000 state registered medical marijuana patients will be in attendance to caution lawmakers against this fallible measure.