Ocean City Police need volunteers to smoke cannabis for research

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Police and Montgomery County Police are teaming up for a Cannabis Green Lab event.

The department posted on social media the need for twelve to fourteen volunteers. All must be 21 years and older, and must be willing to smoke cannabis in front of officers.

This event will serve as an educational opportunity for the police. Organizers want both officers and participants to walk away better educated about the impact of marijuana impairment.

The General Manager of Hi-Tide dispensary, Ian Chenkin, says there is a big difference between cannabis and alcohol.

“Some various differences in comparison to alcohol and cannabis. So, doing this type of training and exercises is a good inside look, and then also an impressive look for law enforcement to understand that cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all.”

Participants are required to provide their own cannabis, and transportation will be arranged.

Around 40 student officers will be learning and studying participant reaction to cannabis.

Chenkin tells WMDT, Hi-Tide is an advocate for smoking in a safe and controlled environment.

“Any purchase made here is known to be consumed at a safe place of residency. Everybody understands we champion responsible use, and we encourage others to do the same.”

The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on October 26th, at 6501 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.