Weed vs. Booze in DUI Road Test Study
June 2nd, 2009 by Russ
Many disciples of the herb believe that driving under its influence is simply a matter of focusing their chi properly before taking the wheel. A few deep breathing exercises, some choice tunes, and many enthusiasts feel ready to navigate the roads to Carl’s Jr. Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University put the test to local weed drivers to prove their prowess against a cadre of booze-guzzling DUIs in waiting.
The driving test more closely resembled a vintage ‘B’ movie than The French Connection. Test subjects drove a stationary Cadillac situated in front of a movie screen depicting simulated traffic conditions. Drivers were given marijuana, road sodas (screwdriver mix), or placebo.
As expected, the placebo group tested far better than the ones intoxicated by alcohol. Weed drivers came down somewhere in the middle, showing some levels of impairment, but taking a much more cautious approach than their in the bag counterparts.
Undoubtedly, many blazing Gran Turismo gamers will dispute the findings of the study, saying that weed only helps them hone in on their craft. While more in-depth studies can certainly be conducted, the study did seem to acknowledge an age-old truth about stoners — they are nothing if not self-aware.
Hit the Deck — It’s an Israel Bong Bust
March 31st, 2009 by Rick
Israeli police raided a factory in Hafia in northern Israel and seized 15,000 marijuana pipes (bongs) that were planned for distribution. The 60-year old owner was also arrested.
According to spokesman Micky Rosenfeld:
Pipes and other drug paraphernalia are a common sight at Israeli kiosks but these items were banned a few weeks ago and police are cracking down.
The majority of marijuana is smuggled into Israel by Bedouin across the porous border with Egypt. The rest comes from Gaza and Lebanon, though these routes are less common due to recent hostilities.
It’s hard to believe that among everything being smuggled into Israel that persists to be evasive to control, that the Israeli police are concerned with drug paraphernalia. It was a good thing that someone over there was smoking weed… now all they have to do is all come together and go Michael Phelps on it.
