As neighboring Ohio recently announced the adoption of the DAX Evidence Recorder to monitor suspected impaired drivers, many Michigan residents might be asking: Could Michigan be next? However, the purported effectiveness of this device raises some significant questions and eyebrows.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety proudly declared that the Ohio Traffic Safety Office received a $15,087 grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association and Responsibility.org. This grant aims to train officers in utilizing the DAX Evidence Recorders, devices designed to record eye movements and other physical responses of those believed to be under the influence.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol's data suggests that marijuana impairment is an escalating problem, with nearly one in four of their 100,000 OVI arrests since 2018 allegedly related to the substance. OTSO Director Emily Davidson passionately states that the DAX Evidence Recorder will provide the crucial training and tools law enforcement needs to "remove dangerous drivers from the road."
But let's pause and consider the implications here.
Firstly, the idea of detecting marijuana impairment through eye movements and physical responses is problematic at best. Unlike alcohol, marijuana impairment is not linear and does not manifest identically in all users. Some habitual users may exhibit few outward signs of intoxication, while occasional users might seem impaired even with minimal consumption. Can the DAX device differentiate?
Furthermore, the idea that this device will "keep officers in the field" seems a bit lofty. The implication is that by providing video and audio evidence, many impaired driving cases will be settled before court. Yet, without clear scientific validation of the DAX Evidence Recorder's effectiveness, it's possible that these recordings could be challenged and dismissed in court. This would not only waste taxpayer money but could also inadvertently allow impaired drivers to evade consequences.
Michigan residents should be watchful. While the intent of Ohio's move is commendable, the execution seems shaky. We need solutions grounded in science, not gimmicky devices that might not stand the test of a courtroom. With the increasing normalization of marijuana use in both Michigan and surrounding states, it's crucial to address driving safety with credible methods, not questionable ones.
For those curious about how the DAX Evidence Recorder operates, check out the official video demonstration below. Decide for yourself: Is it the future of impairment detection or just another expense with limited impact?
Note: This opinion piece is written from a speculative viewpoint based on the information provided. The efficacy and real-world application of the DAX Evidence Recorder are yet to be fully observed and understood.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday night, September 5th, the City Council approved the elongation of hours for the city's cannabis retailers. The revised ordinance permits these establishments to operate an additional three hours, shifting their closing time from 9 p.m. to midnight, to cater to night-time clientele.
This change came with minimal debate. However, Council Member Lisa Disch, D-1st Ward, alluded to forthcoming modifications in marijuana business regulations. Among these are the introduction of a Class-A micro-business license, which will allow holders to cultivate up to 300 cannabis plants – a significant increase from the existing limit – and to procure marijuana-infused products from processors.
The extended operating hours have garnered attention from marijuana business proprietors. A memo to the council from city staff highlighted that, following consultations with the Ann Arbor Police Department, the recommendation was made in favor of these extended hours for sales.
In the wake of adopting the city's cannabis business guidelines a few years back, updates have been made periodically to support the burgeoning industry. As it stands, there are 23 operational marijuana retailers within Ann Arbor's confines.
Ahead of the ordinance amendment's preliminary approval in August, some council members sought clarifications from the city staff. Council Member Erica Briggs, D-5th Ward, raised concerns on behalf of residents living in proximity to dispensaries, emphasizing their reluctance towards increased late-night traffic. In response, the staff noted that one of the reasons for the extended hours was the current allowance of alcohol sales at bars until 2 a.m., whereas marijuana dispensaries had a much earlier curfew at 9 p.m.
On the safety front, while there were initial apprehensions about a 2 a.m. cutoff, mainly due to cash reserves at these dispensaries, a compromise of midnight was suggested as a probationary period. This aims to monitor any surge in crime rates during the extended hours. If this phase proves successful without any marked issues, there's potential for even later closing hours in the future.
Employees, including budtenders and delivery drivers, at the Ascend Wellness Holdings outlet in Michigan have endorsed a contract in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The agreement encompasses 20-25 staff members at the Ascend Cannabis outlet located on Scribner Avenue in Grand Rapids, according to Teamsters representative Matt McQuaid, who confirmed the news post-Friday's declaration.
This contract signifies the second partnership of its kind in Michigan's cannabis sector that Teamsters have approved, marking a first for the Western region of the state, as detailed in a recent Teamsters press release.
Additionally, the Ascend outlet in Morenci, Michigan, also boasts representation by Teamsters, added McQuaid.
Online records from Ascend Wellness, a multi-state operator headquartered in New York, showcase a total of eight retail branches across Michigan.
"This recent contract paves the way for a storm of future collaborations within the state," commented Peter Finn, the Western Region vice president of Teamsters.
The union has highlighted several key perks of the contract, such as an immediate wage hike with subsequent 3% annual increments. Other notable benefits encompass guaranteed tips with enhanced clarity on their distribution, confirmed discounts, employee seniority rights, protection against unwarranted terminations and disciplinary actions, advanced safety protocols for drivers, and a generous paid leave policy.
In broader context, Teamsters has been progressively establishing its footprint in the legalized cannabis industry across various states. Recent associations include collaborations with workers in California, Missouri, and Illinois.
It's also worth noting that the United Food and Commercial Workers Union maintains a prominent role within the cannabis sector. Simultaneously, there have been instances in California where cannabis employees have been mandated to engage in labor peace agreements with unauthentic union bodies.
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