Mass. officials begin crackdown on cannabis-impaired driving

Massachusetts officials are vowing to crack down on cannabis-impaired driving as the state prepares for full implementation of its social cannabis law.

State law enforcement said Thursday they are increasing the number of officers with special training in detecting whether motorists are under the influence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis.

Officials also unveiled a public education campaign aimed at younger adults who may not recognize the dangers of driving after they have consumed cannabis. They fear the legalization of cannabis will cause a spike in impaired driving crashes.

One continuing problem for law enforcement is the lack of reliable scientific testing, similar to a breath test for alcohol, to properly measure THC impairment.