Cannabis Impairment Detection Lab

July 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

With today’s cannabis products reaching much higher THC levels and appearing in various forms—such as edibles, concentrates, and traditional flower— officers face increasing challenges in detecting impairment. This two-phase training provides officers with both classroom instruction and hands-on experience to better recognize cannabis-related impairment in drivers. Attendees will learn about current cannabis trends, legal considerations, behavioral indicators, and enhanced field sobriety test protocols specific to cannabis use. The course culminates in a controlled “Green Lab” where officers evaluate individuals under the influence, reinforcing classroom learning through real-time observation.

*Attendees will not be exposed to cannabis or any other substances during the training.

Course Objectives:

• Identify various forms of modern cannabis and understand their effects on impairment.
• Apply an enhanced SFST protocol tailored to detecting cannabis impairment.
• Recognize key behavioral indicators and physical signs associated with THC-related impairment.
• Understand best practices for documenting cannabis-impaired driving investigations and building a strong court case.
• Conduct real-time impairment assessments during the hands-on Green Lab experience, evaluating reliability and technique.

Equipment Needed:

• None – please note that duty weapons are prohibited for the duration of this course.