PHOENIX — Cannabis can stay in someone’s system long after the high wears off, but a drug recognition expert said testing is detailed enough to prove if the driver was high at the time of a traffic stop or crash.
“We have seen an uptick in cannabis DUIs since the legalization of it,” Maricopa County Deputy Luke Hardisty said. “We’re definitely having an issue with people who are not taking that into consideration when using the product and then getting behind the wheel and operating.”
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Hardisty, a drug recognition expert, told 12News he often stops people who drive while they’re drunk, high or both.
He said speed and lack of vehicle control are common indicators of impairment on the road, but behind the wheel, it’s the driver’s features that can be telling.
“We commonly refer to the eyes as the window to the soul. So, the eyes will tell the story before anything else really does,” Hardisty said.
If a driver is suspected of being under the influence, they’re asked to do a field sobriety test, which if failed, can be enough to lead to probable cause for more testing.
Hardisty says more testing often includes saliva, urine or blood analysis.
“Our tests are very good at being able to tell that they are under the influence of the actual ingredient in the THC and not the metabolized form,” Hardisty said.
Similar testing was recently conducted on the driver who reportedly crashed into a school bus on Interstate 10 near Marana.
According to court records, the driver, identified as Nicolas Luis Rodriguez, told a state trooper he smoke marijuana two days before the crash. He was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI after allegedly showing signs of impairment during field sobriety tests. Rodriguez’s saliva sample tested positive for cannabis, and under a warrant, he then provided a blood sample.
Rodriguez is not facing a DUI charge.
Hardisty said a blood analysis can take some time but it can tell detectives if the impairing or active substance of cannabis was in a driver’s system.
“If any amount of active THC system under Arizona statute is going to be your DUI. We don’t have any sort of numbering system,” Hardisty said.
Hardisty said he encourages everyone to designate sober drivers or to stay home after consuming altering substances.
“You are not only putting your life at risk, but you’re putting several other lives at risk,” Hardisty said.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”
Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
