The Science of Marijuana and Synthetic Cannabinoids: High-lights for Attorneys

As marijuana sources expand to medical-use and legal recreational-use, attorneys encounter more cases involving these substances and their role in impairment. What are the differences between marijuana metabolites? What do you need to know to interpret drug testing results? How do the various sources of marijuana (edibles, "joints", oils) differ in potency and effects on the body? What is the science behind the marijuana breath testing device? What are synthetic cannabinoids and how do they compare with marijuana? These and other questions will be answered in this one-hour presentation, taught by toxicology expert Allison Muller and DUI attorney Robert Reiff. 

Learning Objectives:

1. State the scientific name of the parent marijuana compound and 2 major metabolites

2. Cite two differences between marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids

3. Identify one similarity between marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids

4. Provide one reason why determining impairment based on marijuana levels (or its metabolites) is challenging

5. Use this knowledge in your civil or criminal cases