Pubdate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Vancouver 24 hrs.
Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/letters
Website: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Ada Slivinski
Page: 3

MORE B.C. DRIVERS USING POT

Research finds more drivers are under the influence of cannabis on
B.C. roads

More B.C. drivers are behind the wheel while under the influence of
cannabis. An article in the April issue of the BC Medical Journal
points to a recently-released 2012 study that found cannabis in 5.4%
of drivers, compared to 4.6% in 2008.

Even in 2008, an article in the journal stated, "The rate of cannabis
use in B.C. drivers is particularly high."

Research of injured drivers from the BC Trauma Centre found "12.6% of
(injured) drivers tested positive for cannabis metabolites, and 7.3%
were positive for THC, indicating recent use." They also found,
"Cannabis was more common in males and in drivers younger than 30
years of age." A limousine driver was at Vancouver City Hall Tuesday
morning, appealing a decision to have his permit revoked after a
police officer found cannabis in the limo and determined he was too
impaired to operate the vehicle. The driver, Mohammed Samrat Showkat,
was pulled over after officers alleged the vehicle was swerving,
speeding and changing lanes without signaling. The officer called as a
witness testified that she saw and smelled cannabis in the limo and
the drivers eyes had an "overall pink hue ... distinctive to marijuana."

She said she then performed several tests to determine his level of
intoxication. These included having him walk in a straight line while
counting his steps.

"While he was counting, he became very confused," she said, adding
that he walked with his arms raised, "that appeared to be for
balance." She also tested his ability to track an object with his eyes
and how long he could stand on one foot -"he put his foot down after
count one," she said.

The driver's appeal was denied Tuesday afternoon.

Vancouver Police Chief Const. Jim Chu spoke out Tuesday about a
November arrest, also involving an allegedly impaired driver, which
was caught on video.

"Marijuana smoke billowing from the car made the cause of that
impairment obvious," he said. "In order to make the arrest, force
became necessary when the person refused to exit the vehicle, which is
understandable since he allegedly knew what would be found in his car
if he did."

The video, available on YouTube, has prompted criticism of the officer
smashing the car window. Chusaid the officer was "criticized for doing
his job."

Chuck Varabioff, director of the BC Pain Society - an illegal
dispensary that sells marijuana for medical use - said there are some
types of marijuana that are safe to use while driving.

"The only marijuana that would be completely safe to use while driving
would be a CBD (Cannabidiol) strain without THC," he said.

Since people metabolize drugs at more diverse rates than alcohol,
there are no specified generic amounts for how much marijuana is safe
to use before getting behind the wheel. According to the BC Medical
Journal, "Cannabis slows reaction times, causes weaving, creates
difficulty maintaining a constant speed, and predisposes to
distraction," and "Evidence suggests that acute cannabis use
approximately doubles the risk of crashing."

Doctors are recommending governments work together to establish better
screening tools and improve legislation around drug-impaired drivers.
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MAP posted-by: Matt