Why do Canadian police use the Dräger Drug Test to detect cannabis use?
The Dräger Drug Test is a device used to test oral fluid samples for drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and cannabis. Law enforcement agencies in Canada use it as a roadside sobriety test. They consider it a quick and non-invasive way of testing for drugs, with results typically available within minutes.
But the Dräger Drug Test isn’t without its criticisms. For example, it tests for cannabis but not fentanyl. Which one are you more worried about?
As well, the manufacturer says it won’t malfunction in cold weather. But the specs say the device operates between 5°C and 40°C and the test kits are only good between 4°C to 30°C.
This isn’t ideal in a country where -10°C is the norm for eight months of the year.
We’ve covered this device here before. Studies confirm this device gives far too many false positives to be considered accurate. So how can you avoid it?
Criticisms of the Test
There are a few criticisms of the Dräger Drug Test that some have raised. One complaint is that the device may produce false positives due to the presence of certain over-the-counter medications or other substances that can mimic the presence of drugs.
Another criticism is that the test can only detect drugs that someone has used recently. It’s not effective in detecting long-term cannabis use. Long-term cannabis use makes all the difference in determining one’s sobriety in the moment.
For example, a veteran toker with plenty of THC in their fat cells will handle an automobile safer after smoking a joint than a newbie who’s only been smoking for a couple of years. Critics also say the device’s sensitivity is too high for cannabis. If somebody smokes a joint Friday night, they could test positive for cannabis for the next 72 hours.
The Dräger Drug Test fails to provide the accuracy of oral fluid testing compared to traditional blood or urine testing. Of course, using blood or urine to test for cannabinoids runs into the same long-term problem.
Another issue is how users can circumvent the test. There are also concerns about the potential for human error during the testing process and the potential for abuse of the device by police.
Not to mention, driving under the influence of what? Screaming children in the backseat? A loose dog trying to climb out the window? Or sober road rage causing a critical lapse in good judgment?
Can You Beat Dräger Drug Test 5000?
Some people online claim they can circumvent the Dräger Drug Test 5000, but as with most of these types of claims, we should take them with a grain of salt.
But is there any truth to it? Can you beat a Dräger Drug Test 5000 device?
Although we can’t confirm this, the word online is that food makes all the difference. Because of the enzymes in bananas, if you eat enough before getting tested by the Dräger 5000, you’ll test positive for alcohol.
Is there a food group that lowers cannabis detection? So far, it seems to work in the other direction. Certain foods give you a false positive.
That said, since THC is a fat-binding molecule, you’ll do good to have high fat-foods in your diet. Whether you eat healthy fats (red meat, avocado) or unhealthy fats (pizza, fries) doesn’t matter.
If you’re planning on driving somewhere and you’ve smoked sometime in the last few days, be sure to brush your teeth (good advice anyway). Rinse your mouth with mouthwash if you want, but be cautious of its alcohol content.
If you can’t afford to have your licence pulled over silly prohibition fears, then keeping adulterants like hydrogen peroxide close at hand isn’t a bad idea.
Adulterants can alter drug test results, whether you use mouthwash before a saliva test or mix bleach with urine to obscure the results.
Some common examples of adulterants include bleach, vinegar, and commercial products labelled “detoxifiers” or “cleaners.”
That said, it’s important to note that most modern drug tests, like the Dräger 5000, can detect the use of contaminants, so using them is not a reliable way to cheat a drug test. However, it may buy you some time.
Of course, this goes without saying that none of this constitutes advice on illegal activities, including cheating drug tests. This post is for information purposes only.
Does the Dräger Drug Test 5000 Test for Impairment?
The Dräger Drug Test 5000 is not designed to detect impairment but rather the presence of certain drugs or their metabolites in the body. These tests detect recent drug use rather than impairment at the time of the test.
Which begs the question: What is the relationship between drug use and impairment?
Of course, it can vary depending on the type of drug, the method of use, the individual’s tolerance and sensitivity to the drug, and other factors. Some substances have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, which slows down cognitive and motor functions. Stimulants tend to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and overall alertness.
It all depends on how much the user has taken, how often they use it, and how long they’ve been using it. It’s not controversial to point out that first-time consumers experience severe impairment compared to regular consumers who have built up a tolerance.
And then there is the mind-body problem. Despite followers of The Science™ assuming away the problem, the mind appears separate from the body. Whatever substance you may be on while driving, however messed up you may feel, seeing those red and blue lights flash in your rear-view mirror sobers you up real quick.
And what about legal drugs? The argument is legal opioids, for example, do not cause impairment if the dosage is within the therapeutic range. Couldn’t we say the same thing about cannabis?
And indeed, if you want to beat a roadside cannabis test in Canada, the best way to do so is to register as a medical cannabis patient.
Of course, this may be a short-term solution, as the federal government would like to eliminate the medical cannabis program altogether.