Anchorage police said Friday they will target drivers high on marijuana through the weekend and Monday in anticipation of the unofficial stoners holiday "420."
"With the recent legalization of recreational use of marijuana in the state of Alaska, police anticipate a possible increase of impaired drivers that may be celebrating the '420 holiday' this year," said Anchorage Police Department communications director Jennifer Castro in a news release.
"The origin of the term '420' usually depends on who you ask but is celebrated by marijuana consumers around the world every April 20," the release says.
The OUI (operating under the influence) marijuana detail will begin Friday evening and continue through Monday, police said.
Four patrol units and a drug recognition expert make up the detail. The police department has four recognition experts, Castro said in an email. They received training through the International Drug Evaluation and Classification Program.
The program originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s when officers noticed many intoxicated drivers had very low or zero alcohol concentrations. Alaska State Troopers have a state coordinator for the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program.
Castro said the method for testing marijuana is "the same as always."
"We use (standardized field sobriety tests) to detect the impairment, and the detection of marijuana can only be done through a blood test," she said.
Alaska Dispatch News' column Highly Informed recently examined the complexities of testing for marijuana in drivers suspected of impairment. The laws, policies and technologies related to testing are still evolving.
Funding for the targeted enforcement was provided by a grant through the Alaska Highway Safety Office, police said. APD Chief Mark Mew said the state awarded APD $11,200 for the enforcement. That total covers labor and a small amount for vehicle expenses, he said. However, the actual amount will be whatever the police department spends.
"Although recreational use of marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older, it is illegal to drive impaired under the influence of marijuana and to use marijuana in a public place. Please celebrate safely -- we appreciate your help in keeping our streets safe!" the police statement says.
The police department also produced the video PSA "Drive High -- Get An OUI," which shows a trio of friends preparing for the "epic" holiday by shopping for junk food.
The actors in the video are from the local comedy group Urban Yeti Improv. The video didn't cost anything; the actors volunteered their time, Castro said.
In the past three years, police made seven OUI arrests on April 20. Castro said she didn't know if those were for alcohol or marijuana impairment, or a combination.
"What I can tell you is this is the first time we have run an impairment detail around the 4/20 date and that is because recreational use has become legalized, so we just want to make sure people are celebrating safely and not driving impaired," she said.