Imagine getting paid in munchies to help cops learn about stoned driving. That’s exactly what’s happening in Ocean City, Maryland, where police put out a call for people to smoke marijuana in a safe setup for officer training and got way more takers than expected. This quirky program promises free lunch too, sparking huge interest and raising questions about how legal weed changes road safety.
Ocean City police needed folks to smoke cannabis for a training day aimed at spotting impaired drivers. They posted about it on social media, and the response was massive. Within days, they had to stop taking sign-ups because so many people wanted in.
The department called it an “overwhelming” turnout. Volunteers must be over 21 and bring their own marijuana, which is legal for adults in Maryland since 2023. The event, dubbed the Green Lab, happens in a controlled spot where participants toke up, then officers practice spotting signs of impairment without anyone actually hitting the road.
This isn’t about joyriding high. It’s a hands-on way for cops to get better at their jobs now that recreational pot is allowed. Police say it’s all above board, working with the Maryland Highway Safety Office to cut down on crashes.
One key rule stands out. No one drives during the training. It’s all simulated to keep things safe.
Why This Training Hits Home Now
With marijuana legal in more places, roads are seeing new risks. Cops need sharp skills to tell if someone’s too buzzed to drive. This program steps in to fill that gap.
Studies show mixed results on weed and wrecks. A 2022 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that while alcohol crashes dropped in some states after pot legalization, marijuana-related ones ticked up slightly. But experts say better training can help.
In Maryland, recreational cannabis sales started in July 2023. Since then, state data from the Maryland Department of Transportation shows a small rise in impaired driving stops, though not all tie directly to pot. This volunteer setup lets officers learn telltale signs like bloodshot eyes or slow reactions in real time.
It’s not the first time. Back in 2017, Denver police ran a similar gig where volunteers got high for training. That one drew laughs but also praise for being proactive.
Programs like this could save lives. By getting ahead of the curve, Maryland aims to keep highways safer as more people light up legally.
How the Program Works Step by Step
Curious about the details? Here’s a quick breakdown of what volunteers can expect:
- Sign up and screen: Applicants had to apply fast before spots filled. Police checked ages and backgrounds.
- Bring your own: Participants supply their own cannabis to avoid legal snags.
- Controlled toking: Smoking happens in a tent or safe area, monitored closely.
- Officer practice: Cops observe and test for impairment signs, like balance checks.
- Free perks: Everyone gets lunch, making it a fun draw.
This structure keeps things legal and focused. No arrests, just education.
Volunteers aren’t guinea pigs. They’re helping build a safer community. One participant from a past similar event in 2023 told reporters it felt good to contribute, even if it meant getting a bit giggly in front of badges.
Police stress that driving high is still illegal and dangerous. The training reinforces that message.
The free lunch angle? It’s a smart hook. Who turns down a meal after the munchies kick in?
Public Buzz and Broader Impact
Word spread like wildfire online, with people joking about the dream gig. Some called it the best volunteer job ever, blending civic duty with a buzz.
This ties into bigger talks about weed reform. Maryland pardoned over 175,000 low-level cannabis convictions in 2024, per state records from Governor Wes Moore’s office. That move aimed to right old wrongs and help folks move on.
But not everyone’s laughing. Critics worry it downplays risks. A 2021 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety linked legal pot to a 6% jump in injury crashes in some states. Maryland wants to buck that trend with better-prepared officers.
On the flip side, supporters see it as progress. Training like this could lead to fairer enforcement, avoiding bias against legal users.
It’s affecting everyday lives too. Drivers might face more informed stops, potentially cutting false accusations. For communities, it means safer streets as cops get savvy about new norms.
One thing’s clear. Interest in these events shows how attitudes have shifted since legalization.
In a world where pot’s no longer taboo, programs like Ocean City’s Green Lab bridge the gap between fun and safety. They remind us that with new freedoms come responsibilities, like not driving impaired. As a journalist who’s covered crime beats for decades, I’ve seen how small steps in training can prevent big tragedies. This volunteer surge highlights a community eager to pitch in, blending humor with serious road safety goals.
