MINORML Opposes Saliva Testing Legislation in Michigan

We are urging Governor Gretchen Whitmer to veto House Bills 4930 and 4931 because testing a persons saliva as a measurement of impairment generates an abnormal number of false positive results. This will harm many innocent people with higher insurance rates, wrongful incarceration, and vendors of the testing machines making large profits on the pockets of Michigan citizens.

Roadside oral fluid (saliva) testing has been promoted as a tool for detecting recent drug use by drivers. However, saliva testing does not measure impairment, only the presence of trace metabolites or active compounds. This distinction is crucial. In the case of THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, presence in saliva does not correlate with intoxication or actual driving impairment.

The Michigan legislature decision to fast-track this legislation only demonstrates the reckless greed of special interests such as the manufacturers of the testing equipment and, legislators who have a vested interest in the revenue generated by the increased arrests and conviction of Michigan Citizens. We urge the Michigan Senate and Governor Whitmer to soundly reject this attack on responsible consumers of cannabis users in the State of Michigan.

In conclusion, the use of roadside saliva tests is scientifically unsound, constitutionally risky, and socially unjust. Michigan NORML calls on all lawmakers to reject these flawed proposals and instead support evidence-based policies that protect both public safety and civil liberties.

We urge the Michigan Legislature to vote NO on any bill that would authorize roadside saliva testing for cannabis.