Cannabis impaired driving recognition and enforcement (formerly cannabis 101)

Overview

The student will learn the best practices to use when encountering a suspect driving under the influence of cannabis.  This course will focus on emerging trends of administration and different forms of THC, and its impairing effects.  The types of cannabis, including synthetics and edibles, will be examined.  The student will be provided with an overview of cannabis physiology, administration routes, and duration of effects.

Maryland’s laws concerning DUI-Cannabis, as well as use and possession of cannabis (both civilly and criminally), will be discussed.

The students will be able to interact with medical cannabis consumers to hear their stories.  Students will get to see first hand, cannabis products, methods of administration, etc.  The students will be able to practice their Standardized Field Sobriety Testing skills on consumers under the influence of cannabis during the green lab portion of the training.  During the green lab, students will be partnered with Drug Recognition Experts.  The DREs will point out the general indicators relevant to cannabis use and the subtleties of cannabis impairment that is often missed by police officers.

***There are no prerequisites to attend.  However, having completed NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) would be beneficial for some of the topics and activities during the training.***

Topics include:

• New potent forms of marijuana including hash and edibles

• Criminal vs. civil offenses

• Searches of vehicles and persons

• Physiology of cannabis

• New and emerging cannabis trends

• Investigating, documenting, and preparing cases for prosecution

Attire, Costs and Other Requirements

Students must bring note-taking materials and a highlighter.

Dress is professional casual or uniform of the day.

There is no cost for this training.