Pubdate: Thu, 29 Oct 2015
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Tom Fletcher
Page: 11

MORE STONED DRIVERS AFTER LAW CHANGED

Washington state police are dealing with more drivers impaired by
marijuana since its recreational use was legalized last year, and B.C.
is preparing for similar problems as a new federal government prepares
to follow suit.

Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol visited Victoria
this week to take part in an annual cross-border crime forum. He
acknowledged that it's a problem since the state legalized marijuana
sales to adults in 2014.

"We are seeing an uptick in incidents on our roadways related to folks
driving under the influence of marijuana and drugs in general,"
Batiste told reporters after a meeting with B.C. Justice Minister
Suzanne Anton.

He explained the state's new law setting a limit for marijuana's
active ingredient in blood, similar to the blood-alcohol limit. But
without a roadside testing device, police are relying on training from
the State Patrol's drug recognition expert to make arrests.

What they need now is a roadside testing device that provides evidence
of impairment that will hold up in court, Batiste said.

Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau made a high-profile promise to
legalize marijuana before winning a majority government Oct. 19.

In B.C., police can charge drivers if they show signs of impairment,
whether from drugs or fatigue. In alcohol use cases, drivers are
typically charged with impaired driving and driving with a blood
alcohol content of more than .08 per cent.

Vancouver-based Cannabix Technologies is developing such a device.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt