Michigan Lawmaker Pushes Roadside Drug Test Bill Despite Accuracy Concerns

Published: June 6, 2025 | Drug Test Digest Team

If you're driving through Michigan and get pulled over, prepare to spit — literally. Former sheriff turned state lawmaker Brian BeGole is pushing a bill that would equip police with handheld saliva-based drug test devices. And yes, the controversy is as sticky as it sounds.

BeGole, now a Republican representative, showcased an Abbot SoToxa device at a recent Michigan House Rules Committee hearing. The gadget promises to detect drugs like THC, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and opiates within minutes. Sounds efficient — but critics aren’t convinced.

“It’s not a smoke show” vs. “It’s a tool of oppression”

BeGole dismissed opposition as a “smoke show,” insisting the devices won’t be used to determine impairment — just to validate officers’ suspicions. But critics like Tim Beck of the Michigan GOP Cannabis Caucus say the proposal is a regressive step with a high risk of false arrests, especially for marijuana users.

And there’s data to support that concern: Michigan's previous pilot programs found the SoToxa devices wrong nearly 11% of the time. That’s not exactly a gold standard for evidence collection.

For those wondering, the SoToxa doesn’t detect fentanyl, despite its growing presence in drug cases. Also, while THC may dissipate quickly in blood, it can stick around in saliva for over 24 hours, potentially snagging sober drivers who legally used cannabis the day before.

Legal Marijuana, Legal Trouble?

In Michigan, marijuana is legal — but the devices don’t measure impairment. That’s where things get fuzzy. BeGole argues that 90% of Delta 9 THC clears the body in 90 minutes, but experts note that’s true for blood — not saliva. So the risk of wrongful arrest remains.

Adding to the tension, courts have recently begun questioning the reliability of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). In 2022, Michigan’s Court of Appeals ruled that DRE testimony could not be used to determine impairment from marijuana, calling it unreliable.

The Bigger Picture

With over 30 states exploring roadside saliva testing and the industry expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2033, the pressure to adopt these systems is real. But critics warn that the technology is outpacing both policy and science.

Beck put it bluntly: “This is a tool of oppression.” Whether Michigan lawmakers see it the same way remains to be seen.

Read the original article on MLive.com.