Case studies of driver intoxication attributed to use of synthetic cannabinoid designer drugs

The aim of the project was to identify characteristic behaviours, signs and symptoms in drivers subsequently confirmed as having ingested synthetic cannabinoid drugs as the sole apparent intoxicant consumed. Blood samples from the individuals suspected of synthetic cannabinoid use were analysed for a relevant scope of synthetic cannabinoid drugs known to be prevalent on the street at that time. Arrest and laboratory reports from the subjects were reviewed and analyzed. Driving behaviours in these impaired drivers included poor vehicle control, collisions, and aggressive driving. Generally the constellation of effects was similar to those of marijuana, including watery bloodshot eyes, slightly dilated pupil size, lack of convergence of gaze, and increased pulse. There was no consistent evidence of horizontal or vertical nystagmus. Performance on field sobriety tests was poor, with problems with balance, coordination, fine motor control, attention, ability to follow instructions and presence of muscle tremors. The drugs detected in blood included JWH-018, JWH-250, AM-2201 and XLR-11. Concentrations of the drugs in whole blood were in the range 0.38 to 9.9ng/mL. The constellation of symptoms from synthetic cannabinoid use is very similar to that associated with marijuana use, with more frequent reports of anxiety. The clinical indicators were similar to those of the cannabis category in the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program. Synthetic cannabinoid testing should be performed in cases where the symptoms or history suggest cannabis use, but initial drug tests are negative. Future work will involve expansion of the scope of this testing and identifying additional cases with driving histories.

• Record URL:
  http://www.icadtsinternational.com/files/documents/2013_074.pdf
• 
• Authors:
  • Logan, B
  • Yeakel, J
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety (T2013), 20th, 2013, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2013-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 455-8
• Monograph Title: 20th International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference Proceedings, 25-28 August 2013, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Blood; Blood analysis; Case studies; Driver performance; Drivers; Drugged drivers; Drugs; Marijuana
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safe systems (road users)
• ATRI Terms: Blood test; Case study; Driver behaviour; Driver performance; Drug driving; Marijuana
• ITRD Terms: 2205: Skill (road user); 8122: USA
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500763
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 5 2013 8:47AM