The High Demand: Maryland's Viral Call for Cannabis Volunteers

In a twist that could only happen in the era of legalized cannabis, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) in Maryland found itself swamped with eager applicants after posting a call for volunteers on social media. On October 14, 2025, the department announced they needed 12 to 14 adults over 21 to participate in a unique training exercise: smoke their own marijuana in a controlled environment to help officers learn to spot signs of cannabis impairment. The perks? A free lunch to combat the inevitable munchies and shuttle transportation home. What they didn't anticipate was the flood of responses—overwhelming sign-ups poured in within just four hours, forcing them to close registration early. As one official post put it, they appreciated "so many coming forward to help train the next generation of law enforcement." This event, set for October 26 from noon to 4 p.m., is part of the Maryland Highway Safety Office’s annual DUI Conference, partnering with Montgomery County Police and Cannabis Green Lab. With 40 student officers observing, it's a hands-on approach to addressing a growing concern in a state where recreational cannabis has been legal since July 1, 2023. The story went viral, racking up thousands of views on platforms like X, where users joked about "high community engagement" and the perfect setup for anyone craving a legal buzz with a side of civic duty.

Behind the Scenes: How the Training Works

The program isn't about reckless experimentation—it's a structured, educational initiative designed to equip officers as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). Volunteers, who must bring their own cannabis (BYOC, as it's cheekily dubbed), consume it under supervision while trainees watch for real-time signs of impairment, such as altered reaction times, bloodshot eyes, or impaired coordination. No actual driving on public roads occurs; instead, participants engage in field sobriety tests in a safe, closed-course setting. This mirrors "wet labs" long used for alcohol impairment training but adapted for cannabis, which affects users differently—often more subtly, with effects lingering longer. The OCPD emphasized safety and responsibility, noting that the exercise helps officers differentiate between sober and impaired states without endangering the public. Free lunch isn't just a gimmick; it's practical, acknowledging cannabis's appetite-stimulating effects, while shuttles ensure no one drives home high. This isn't OCPD's first rodeo—similar sessions have been held, but the 2025 call exploded in popularity, perhaps due to growing public comfort with cannabis post-legalization. In fact, a 2025 Maryland Cannabis Use Biannual Study revealed that 40% of residents believe cannabis use has increased since 2023, heightening the need for such training.

Legalization's Ripple Effect: Cannabis and Road Safety in Maryland

Maryland's journey to legalization culminated in a 2022 ballot referendum, where voters overwhelmingly approved adult-use cannabis for those 21 and older, effective July 1, 2023. This shift transformed the state into a burgeoning market, with dispensaries sprouting up and industry workers reporting higher job satisfaction than in traditional sectors like retail or catering, according to recent reports. But with freedom comes responsibility, especially on the roads. Driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal, punishable by DUI citations, fines, and potential license suspension. The law prohibits any detectable THC in a driver's system if impairment is evident, though unlike alcohol's 0.08% blood-alcohol limit, there's no universal THC threshold due to its variable metabolism. This ambiguity makes training like OCPD's crucial. Since legalization, Maryland has seen a push for better enforcement tools, including expanded DRE programs. The state's Zero Deaths Maryland initiative stresses that cannabis, like alcohol, impairs judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, urging users to plan safe rides. Yet, the cultural shift is evident: what was once taboo is now a normalized activity, leading to events where volunteers line up to contribute to public safety while enjoying a legal high.

Numbers Don't Lie: Stats on Impaired Driving Post-Legalization

Data paints a sobering picture of legalization's impact on road safety. A general U.S. study published in 2022 found that recreational marijuana legalization correlated with a 6.5% increase in injury crash rates and a 2.3% rise in fatal crashes across adopting states. While Maryland-specific figures are emerging, early indicators align. In 2023, shortly after legalization, CBS News Baltimore reported concerns over rising marijuana-related DUIs, with law enforcement noting more drivers testing positive for THC during stops. The 2025 Maryland Cannabis Use Biannual Study, mandated by state law, surveyed residents and found 32% perceiving no change in use patterns, but 13% unsure, highlighting uncertainty. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drug-impaired driving contributes to about 20% of serious crashes, with cannabis being the most common drug after alcohol. In Maryland, impaired driving overall claimed over 100 lives in 2024, per preliminary data, underscoring the urgency. OCPD's program, by training 40 officers at once, aims to boost detection rates—DREs are certified to identify impairment from seven drug categories, including cannabis, with accuracy rates exceeding 80% in controlled studies. These figures emphasize why hundreds volunteered: it's not just fun; it's a data-driven response to a real risk.

Beyond Maryland: Similar Initiatives Across the US

Maryland isn't blazing this trail alone—other states with legal cannabis have pioneered similar programs to combat impaired driving. Colorado, the first to legalize in 2012, runs DRE training with volunteer "dosing sessions" where participants consume edibles or smoke under medical supervision, helping officers calibrate their observations. Washington State, legal since 2012, integrates cannabis into its ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement) courses, often recruiting volunteers via community outreach. In California, the California Narcotic Officers' Association offers 24-hour Drug Abuse Recognition classes focusing on cannabis effects. Georgia's GPSTC provides a 240-hour DRE school emphasizing impaired drivers, including cannabis cases. Vermont's Criminal Justice Council hosts ARIDE trainings, a 16-hour course building on sobriety tests for drugs like marijuana. Even non-legal states like Pennsylvania offer workshops on cannabis DUIs for educators and enforcers. These programs share OCPD's model: controlled consumption, observation, and education, with perks like meals to encourage participation. Success stories abound—in Colorado, DRE evaluations rose 50% post-legalization, aiding in thousands of arrests. This cross-state trend reflects a national push: 24 states now have recreational cannabis, all grappling with balancing access and safety through innovative training.

Public Reactions: Laughter, Enthusiasm, and Community Spirit

The OCPD's call sparked a wave of amusement and support online, turning a serious training into a cultural moment. On X, posts amassed tens of thousands of views, with users like @nexta_tv quipping, "too many people eager to ‘help the investigation’" alongside laughing emojis. @Ignite_83 shared a graphic noting the seven-hour signup frenzy, asking, "Would you volunteer?" Cannabis activists like @Veronica2twit1 highlighted the event's educational value, linking to articles praising the initiative. News outlets such as @fox5dc amplified the story, garnering likes and reposts that celebrated the "high demand." Humorous takes abounded: one user joked about the free lunch being "ideal for munchies," while another called it "community service with a buzz." Even casino and motivational accounts chimed in, framing it as a quirky win for public engagement. This enthusiasm underscores shifting attitudes—post-2023 legalization, Marylanders view cannabis less as a vice and more as a normalized part of life, fostering willingness to participate in safety efforts. Yet, amid the laughs, a serious undercurrent: volunteers are aiding in reducing impaired driving, potentially saving lives.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Freedom and Safety

Ultimately, OCPD's overwhelmed volunteer drive illustrates the delicate dance between cannabis freedom and public safety in modern America. With legalization spreading—33 states now have effects-based DUI laws for marijuana—initiatives like this bridge the gap, educating officers without stigma. The event's popularity, drawing hundreds in hours, signals community buy-in, but it also highlights risks: increased use demands better detection to prevent tragedies. As Maryland's 2025 study suggests, perceptions of rising consumption call for proactive measures. By offering free lunch and a safe space, OCPD turned training into an accessible, even enjoyable, civic act. Looking ahead, such programs could evolve with tech like oral fluid tests for THC, but for now, human volunteers remain key. This story isn't just about getting high—it's about getting it right, ensuring roads stay safe as society adapts to a greener future. In a world where cannabis is mainstream, Maryland's approach might just set the standard.

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Reference:

1. Borst, J., Costantini, T., Reilly, L., Smith, A., Stabley, R., Steele, J., … & Godat, L. (2021). Driving under the influence: a multi-center evaluation of vehicular crashes in the era of cannabis legalization. Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open, 6(1), e000736. https://doi.org/10.1136/tsaco-2021-000736

2. Dutra, L., Farrelly, M., Gourdet, C., & Bradfield, B. (2022). Cannabis legalization and driving under the influence of cannabis in a national u.s. sample. Preventive Medicine Reports, 27, 101799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101799

Fischer, B., Lee, A., Robinson, T., & Hall, W. (2021). An overview of select cannabis use and supply indicators pre- and post-legalization in canada. Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-021-00405-7