Cannabis Impairment Detection Lab

Instructors: Scot Mattox, Esq and Seth Allen

Date: December 10, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Dirigo Safety, LLC, 95 Main Street, Auburn, ME 04210

Cost: Free for Maine Law Enforcement Officers (Sponsored by OCP); $300.00 for Non-Maine LEOs

Registration Deadline: November 23rd

Overview:

This comprehensive two-phase training program equips law enforcement officers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify and evaluate cannabis-related impairment in drivers. As cannabis products continue to evolve with increasingly potent THC concentrations and diversified formats including edibles, concentrates, and flower, officers need specialized training to recognize impairment effectively. The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience to build competency in this critical area.

Course Content:

Officers will gain understanding of current cannabis trends in the marketplace, relevant legal frameworks, behavioral and physical indicators of THC-related impairment, and specialized field sobriety test techniques designed specifically for cannabis detection. Instruction covers proper documentation practices and evidence collection methods to support prosecution efforts. The course culminates in a controlled Green Lab environment where participants conduct real-time impairment evaluations under supervised conditions, applying classroom concepts to authentic scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and distinguish various forms of modern cannabis products and their physiological effects on impairment
• Implement enhanced field sobriety test protocols specifically designed for cannabis impairment detection
• Recognize and document behavioral indicators and physical signs associated with THC-related impairment
• Understand documentation best practices for cannabis impairment investigations and evidence presentation in court proceedings
• Perform real-time impairment assessments during the hands-on Green Lab, evaluating assessment reliability and personal technique

Important Notes:

Participants will not have direct exposure to cannabis or any controlled substances during training. No equipment is required to attend. Duty weapons are prohibited throughout the course duration.

Target Audience: Law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, emergency management officials, fire service members, park rangers, and prosecutors/district attorneys