There could be a new way for law enforcement to stop impaired drivers here in Ohio.
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Voters have now made medical and recreational marijuana legal in Ohio.
But it is still against the law to drive under the influence of drugs including marijuana.
“It’s putting their lives at risk and putting the lives of other motorists at risk,” Chief Kurt Althouse with Vandalia Division of Police said.
Althouse is also the president of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.
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He said there are concerns in law enforcement that legal recreational marijuana in Ohio will mean more drug-related OVIs.
“Alcohol-impaired driving has been something we’ve addressed for many, many years and there are testing methods in place. But now with the recreational marijuana, we’re looking at what kind of tests could be used for obtaining a sample to see if someone is impaired by drugs,” Althouse said.
News Center 7 previously covered a crash where troopers said a driver was under the influence of marijuana and other drugs when he crashed into a Trotwood officer’s cruiser sending her to the hospital.
“Twenty-three other states are using it,” State Rep. Phil `Plummer, (R) – Butler Twp.
Plummer is one of the co-sponsors of a plan now on its way to Gov. Mike DeWine.
It would allow law enforcement to collect saliva swab samples from drivers suspected of drug impairment.
“It’ll detect any drug in your system,” Plummer said.
It’d be similar to a breathalyzer for alcohol-related OVIs with results right there during the traffic stop.
“I think I think it would be very essential for our officers’ jobs,” Althouse said.
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It’d be similar to a breathalyzer for alcohol-related OVIs with results right there during the traffic stop. Read More
