Urine Marijuana Analysis and Interpretation Dan Coleman California Department of Justice

Introduction

History Of Marijuana Use

Marijuana Prescription, 2000

Whiskey Prescription, 1925

Variety is the spice of life.

Effects of Marijuana (Stoned)

Effects of Marijuana (High)

Effects of Marijuana Appetite Stimulation. Causes Premature Aging?

Analysis of Marijuana

Urine Analysis of Marijuana Deconjugate for THC and OH-THC Kemp found E.Coli works best Make a deconjugation QC sample Conjugated drugs not available Note on SPE extractions

California DUI Investigation Determine the drug’s: Presence Influence Impairment

California DUI Investigation Unfortunately, urine is still an option Quality of investigation varies by agency

Standard DRE Form Used by the CHP

Signs and Symptoms of Recent Marijuana Usage.

Determining Time of Use Elimination of cannabinoids Elimination of cannabinoids History of usage History of usage Weight loss? Weight loss? Creatinine levels? Creatinine levels?

Officer’s observations, to include FSTs

Laboratory and Driving Studies

Controlled Studies Have Found Drivers Under the Influence of MJ to Drive Slower

Many Police Reports Find MJ Drivers Speeding

Case #1 – Smoked 10 minutes before stop, admitted he was waiting for cop to leave the area. COOH greater than 500 ng/mL. Pulled over for window tint. Case #2 – Smoked 2 hours prior, was wearing MJ t-shirt. Pulled over for tail light infraction. Case #3 – Pulled over at 0720, for speeding. Recent usage.

Case #4 – Weaving within and out of the lane. Low pulse (52-68), BP 150/104. Case #5 – Pulled over for running stop sign and wide turn.

Case #6 – COOH at 10 ng/mL. Case #7 – Pulled over for swerving within the lane. Admits recent usage “It was bud, not shake.” Case #8 – Speeding and weaving.

Case #9 – Sudden U-turn and spun wheels leaving skid marks and smoke. “Yeah, I feel a little high.” Case #10 – Drifting and inattentive driving. Case #11 – Slid off of road into a ditch.

Case #12 – Moderate COOH of ng/mL. Case #13 – Higher COOH of ng/mL.

Case #14 – Speeding, driving on the white line. Smoked one half hour prior. Case #15 – Pulled over for headlight violation. On his way to Jack-in-the-Box, feels “mellow and has the munchies”. Asked if he feels a little bit impaired, “Yeah, I won’t deny it.” Case #16 – Cut-off CHP car at intersection. No statement.

Case #17 – Speeding, admits smoking one hour prior. Officer observed pipe and prescription bottle with MJ in it. Stated it was her mom’s. Eventually says just the bottle is. Case #18 – Pulled over for no seat belt. Case #19 – Warm joint in the ashtray

Case #20 – Pulled over for weaving. Case #21 – Pulled over for no license plate light at COOH is ng/mL. Admits methamphetamine from the morning.

Take Home Messages Analysis of THC and OH-THC in urine requires deconjugation with E.Coli Presence of THC and OH-THC may be an indicator of recent use of marijuana

Take Home Messages Analysis of OH-THC is worth doing in both blood and urine OH-THC is an active metabolite, may be present in levels similar or slightly greater than THC, and be detectable for slightly longer periods than THC

Take Home Messages Driving while impaired by marijuana does not always mean slow driving Drivers shown to be under the influence of MJ are also commonly seen speeding and exhibiting lowered inhibitions

Take Home Messages It is possible to exhibit signs and symptoms of marijuana influence with no THC detected in the urine Marijuana and alcohol in combination have consistently been shown to impair skills needed for safe driving