Roadside drugs testing?

**Ender EnZed** · 24th September 2011, 13:00

Originally Posted by rastuscat

We have the CIT here, it's based on 40 years of practice elsewhere. It's a reliable impairment test. Eye examination, walk and turn, yeah, a bit like the ones they do on telly. Thing is, to prove the charge of driving while impaired here we have to prove both that you have failed an impairment test, AND that you have drugs in your blood. So no Popo can just decide you're guilty of Driving While Impaired (DWI) based on a badly done test; if you have no drugs in your blood, you're won't be charged.

Could you describe what the results of a blood test actually show?

Hypothetical scenario: A guy smokes a joint on Saturday and fails an impairment test on Tuesday while sober. A blood test taken on Tuesday is obviously going to show drugs in his system, is he busted?

**Usarka** · 24th September 2011, 13:13

Originally Posted by Road kill

Which part ??

Understanding and following basic instructions??
Yeah ok,, no help for that one.

Druggies always being the first to bitch about their rights when asked to do the test ?

Those that have things to hide are always the first to become defensive.

Still don't get it,,,that's ok I understand

You're sounding a bit defensive bro.

**slofox** · 24th September 2011, 14:08

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

Could you describe what the results of a blood test actually show?

Hypothetical scenario: A guy smokes a joint on Saturday and fails an impairment test on Tuesday while sober. A blood test taken on Tuesday is obviously going to show drugs in his system, is he busted?

I'd also like to know the answer to this question. Cannabis byproducts hang about for quite a while - well after any intoxication. What's the guts there then?

**4AGE** · 24th September 2011, 14:41

Originally Posted by slofox

I'd also like to know the answer to this question. Cannabis byproducts hang about for quite a while - well after any intoxication. What's the guts there then?

The problem with THC is that the half life is so varied. Ranging between 1.6-24 hours. So you could well get a test 2 days after smoking it, not be impaired while driving but still have enough in your system to trigger a positive test result.

**Usarka** · 25th September 2011, 09:25

A widely used argument is that you can legally consume cannabis in Amsterdam, fly home, not be impaired, and still fail a drug test having broken no laws.

**Katman** · 25th September 2011, 10:03

Originally Posted by rastuscat

Hi ho, off to (not working today) I go.

Donuts.

Do you guys like muffins?

**Bassmatt** · 25th September 2011, 10:26

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

Could you describe what the results of a blood test actually show?

Hypothetical scenario: A guy smokes a joint on Saturday and fails an impairment test on Tuesday while sober. A blood test taken on Tuesday is obviously going to show drugs in his system, is he busted?

I'm surprised this situation hasn't gone to court yet. Or is it just a case of it not being widely reported?
This must have happened in a workplace situation by now.
IIRC i have seen some sort of "official" suggesting if it can still be detected in your blood then you must still be under the influence, FFS!!
It might have been on one of the Aussie traffic cop shows

**Usarka** · 25th September 2011, 10:32

Originally Posted by Bassmatt

IIRC i have seen some sort of "official" suggesting if it can still be detected in your blood then you must still be under the influence, FFS!!

Over 500,000 scripts for benzodiazapines each year, all of these people would be under the influence then - even if taken the night before.

But that's ok because it's prescribed.....?

**Bassmatt** · 25th September 2011, 10:38

Originally Posted by Usarka

Over 500,000 scripts for benzodiazapines each year, all of these people would be under the influence then - even if taken the night before.

But that's ok because it's prescribed.....?

Of course.
From the LA Times:
"Drug deaths now outnumber traffic fatalities in U.S., data show
Fueling the surge are prescription pain and anxiety drugs that are potent, highly addictive and especially dangerous when combined with one another or with other drugs or alcohol."

Do you get the feeling we are all being "played" ?

**pritch** · 25th September 2011, 10:40

Originally Posted by Usarka

A widely used argument is that you can legally consume cannabis in Amsterdam, fly home, not be impaired, and still fail a drug test having broken no laws.

THC is fat soluble. So if you have been in the habit of enjoying the occasional electric puha previously, and you subsequently go on a diet, it is possible to have "flashbacks". (Or so I have read.)

Shame if you had one such while arriving at a check point.

**awa355** · 25th September 2011, 17:47

Originally Posted by 4AGE

The problem with THC is that the half life is so varied. Ranging between 1.6-24 hours. So you could well get a test 2 days after smoking it, not be impaired while driving but still have enough in your system to trigger a positive test result.

After affects from dope can stay in the brain cells for up to 28 days. All the time slowly filtering into the blood system.

**Bassmatt** · 26th September 2011, 06:45

Originally Posted by awa355

After affects from dope can stay in the brain cells for up to 28 days. All the time slowly filtering into the blood system.

That doesn't necessarily mean your impaired.
Do you have a source for that claim?
I dont believe it.

**rastuscat** · 29th September 2011, 05:27

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

Could you describe what the results of a blood test actually show?

Hypothetical scenario: A guy smokes a joint on Saturday and fails an impairment test on Tuesday while sober. A blood test taken on Tuesday is obviously going to show drugs in his system, is he busted?

Sorry about delay, been moving house again. Bloody earthquakes.

The blood test merely has to show a presence of a drug. It doesn't have to show a certain level. How bizarre would it be if the law set an allowable level of an illegal drug? No, it is a test for drugs and if there is a presence of a certain drug, it's a positive test.

So, to answer your hypo question, if the due does a CIT with an unsatisfactory result on a Tuesday, and drugs show up in his blood, he's toast. It doesn't matter when they were consumed. Thing is, he's fairly unlikley to fail a CIT three days after having a toke, but that's what your question asked, so it's why the answer is what it is.

Donuts.