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April 24, 2024

Draeger test unfairly penalises cannabis users

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The Draeger Drug Test 5000 is the equipment that allows for the dramatic increase in roadside drug testing as any cop in any car trained in its use can use: it ergo no different to breathalyzer for ethanol.

From researching it seems to me the Draeger tests for a wide range of drugs including opiates and benzodiazepines (ie Valium). The reason driving on opiates is unenforced is, it is impossible to tell if the driver consumed an illicit opiate as legal codeine is metabolized into morphine. No enforcement on prescription drugs because it is not illegal to drive under their influence just as you can be tipsy from booze and be legal i.e. 0.45%

All political parties said cannabis road side testing was only about impairment and not to punish people who choose to use cannabis. The study confirming the efficacy of the Draeger 5000 proves intentionally or unintentionally its persecution without driving impairment. The study found the median time (half positive half negative) for occasional users was 12 hours and for frequent users 21 hours. Fascinating and alarming is amongst frequent users one tested negative one hour post consuming a 6.5% joint while three were still positive at thirty hours.

Paul Recher, Dorroughby


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2 COMMENTS

  1. Maybe the efficacy of this test and its unintended results should be tested in court. Maybe a group on facebook should be formed so that people can get together and form a class action type group to pool resources and take the law to be tested in the court.

  2. This sounds like a cash grab for Law enforcement and the courts we pay for as tax payers.. I use Medical cannabis. My prescriptions clearly state that I’m not to drive within 4 hours of consuming. Same as any other narcotic medical drug. So if I get pulled over and asked for a test, I’ll test positive any day of the week?

    Would they approve a breathalyzer that detects if you drank a beer last Tuesday?

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