Cannabis: Screening

Home Office written question – answered at on 9 February 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Green

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 31 January (HL5018), what is their estimate of the length of time after ingesting cannabis that a person continues to test positive.

Photo of Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Green

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 31 January (HL5018), what are the scientific and technical standards for their mobile drug screening technology; and how positive results are validated.

Photo of Baroness Williams of Trafford Baroness Williams of Trafford The Minister of State, Home Department, Minister for Equalities (Department for International Development)

The Guide to Type Approval Procedures for Mobile Preliminary Drug Testing Devices used for Transport Law Enforcement in Great Britain contains a description of the requirements to be met for consideration of type approval for screening device. This is found at the following link : www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-preliminary-drug-testing-devices

Roadside drug driving screeners provide an indication of delta-9-THC (the main active component in cannabis) present in a motorist’s system. Delta-9-THC metabolite of cannabis can remain detectable for up to several hours.

Following a positive screening result for suspected drug driving, the police obtain two samples of blood for analysis. One sample is provided to the alleged offender, who can submit their sample for independent testing at a laboratory of their own choice. The police submit the other blood sample to an accredited laboratory for analysis in line with guidance on sample storage and delivery.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes1 person thinks so

No5 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.