On June 18, 2020, a tragic motor vehicle collision in Ontario claimed the lives of Karolina Ciasullo and her three daughters, Klara (6), Lilianna (3), and Mila (1). The accident occurred when a blue Infiniti G35 driven by 20-year-old Brady Robertson crashed into the family’s Volkswagen Atlas at an estimated speed of about 85/mph in a 45/mph zone. Robertson, who did not have a valid driver’s license at the time, was found to have dangerously high levels of THC in his blood, with readings of 40 ng/mL one hour after the crash and 15 ng/mL two hours later. The legal limit in Canada for THC is 5 ng/mL. Robertson was sentenced to 17 years in prison as a result of this incident.
The case brought attention to the unique challenges THC impairment poses to road safety. Unlike alcohol-related crashes, which typically occur at night or on weekends, THC-related crashes often happen during weekdays and involve multiple vehicles. The judge upheld Canada’s 5 ng/mL THC limit as constitutional, stating it strengthens impaired driving laws and deters cannabis users from driving while impaired.
THC and Drug Testing Challenges
THC impairment continues to pose difficulties for drug testing. Using urine or blood as drug testing method can create difficulties in showing accurate evidence of recent drug use. Beyond this, as use becomes more prevalent with legalization, states are adopting different regulation measures. The EZ Saliva offers a reliable solution by providing immediate detection of recent cannabis use, helping authorities and workplaces identify active impairment more accurately.
