CANNABIS KICKS ARE NOT SOMETHING TO TRY BEHIND THE WHEEL

Moves by the Government towards roadside testing for cannabis are so
logical it is surprising the subject has not been raised before, says
The Daily News.

No matter that it is illegal, marijuana use is widespread in New
Zealand and the weed has the ability to distinctly impair a person's
ability to drive.

The significant inhibiter to such tests, and the reason they have been
delayed for so long, is the lack of a reliable and simple test like
the breathalysers used to detect alcohol levels.

Without such a tool, the process becomes far too complex and likely to
involve a blood test and medical experts.

This does not mean that some attempt should not be made to deter users
from driving. There may be little evidence of cannabis contributing to
accidents, but there is also little doubt that it impairs driving ability.

Tests in Britain showed that while people tended to drive more slowly
and cautiously under its influence, their ability to steer and stay on
the road is reduced.

Surprisingly, reaction times to motorway hazards and performance on
cognitive tests in the laboratory were not significantly affected.

It is worth noting also that trials previously completed under similar
test conditions have shown that alcohol and tiredness have a more
adverse effect on driving ability.

The results of the cannabis and driving study also agree with similar
research in Australia, the United States and Holland.

Because of research like this, Australian police are trialing roadside
detectors and saliva testing and it is good to see that New Zealand is
following this work closely.

If this proves successful, however, the problem will be getting
legislation to introduce such tests. Politicians tend to be a
conservative bunch and have always had trouble fiddling with the laws
relating to cannabis.

They tend to talk themselves in circles dealing with the complex
arguments for deregulation.

A major concern has been to prevent it doing any more harm to the
young. Its destructive toll on developing minds and bodies is well
established. Sadly, so many are experimenting with the drug now that
this harm is becoming widespread and some would argue that controlled
liberalisation would solve more problems than it created, taking
growing and marketing away from criminals and gangs.

The problem has to be kept in perspective with other drug use. Alcohol
may be legal, but remains the major cause of many social ills and the
rise in popularity of amphetamines also tends to overshadow cannabis
use because of its dramatic influence on the rise in violent crime.

It is all a rather horrifying testimonial to humankind's natural bent
for self-destruction.