In a plot twist that sounds like it was scripted for a stoner comedy, the Ocean City Police Department in Maryland is offering what many are calling the ultimate gig for cannabis enthusiasts: get paid nothing, smoke your own stash under supervision, and help train cops on spotting impairment - all while enjoying free lunch and a safe ride home.
Dubbed the "Cannabis Green Lab," this volunteer opportunity is part of the Maryland Highway Safety Office's annual Zero Deaths Maryland DUI Conference, aimed at equipping officers with real-world skills to handle the rising tide of legalized weed on the roads.
The call went out on October 14 via the department's social media channels, seeking 12 to 14 adults aged 21 and older to participate in a controlled session on October 26.
Volunteers bring their own cannabis, consume it in a secure educational setting, and allow about 40 trainee officers to observe the effects - from subtle signs like slowed reactions to more obvious indicators of impairment.
No actual driving is involved for participants (safety first, folks), but the insights gained will help law enforcement better assess drivers during traffic stops and DUI investigations. The department emphasized it's "not a trap," adding a touch of humor to reassure skeptics.
Perks? A complimentary shuttle service to and from the event, plus a free lunch to keep things fueled. It's the kind of low-stakes, high-relaxation setup that screams "dream job" in an era where cannabis is legal for recreational use in Maryland (since July 2023). Organizers hailed it as a "great way to help train the next generation of law enforcement safely and responsibly," turning what could be a hazy afternoon into a public service win.
But here's the buzzkill: The spots vanished faster than a roach in a windstorm. Just hours after the post dropped—by 9:12 p.m. that same evening - the department shut down sign-ups, flooded with an "overwhelming" wave of eager applicants.
While exact numbers weren't disclosed, the response was so enthusiastic that follow-up outreach to selected volunteers was promised by the end of the next day. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from amused envy ("Sign me up for next year!") to outright skepticism ("Is this how they fill quotas?").
This isn't the first time Ocean City PD has dabbled in such innovative training. Back in April 2024, they hosted a similar "Green Lab" at the local airport, where volunteers consumed cannabis before navigating a controlled driving course - complete with observations from state lawmakers like Senator Mary Beth Carozza, who used the experience to inform policy tweaks for safer roads. With marijuana legalization sweeping the U.S., these sessions are becoming essential tools for police adapting to a world where spotting impairment isn't as straightforward as a Breathalyzer beeping red.
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So, while the masses mourn the missed opportunity, kudos to those 12 lucky souls who snagged a spot. We judge... but only a little. After all, who wouldn't trade a lazy Sunday for free munchies and the noble pursuit of road safety? If you're plotting your volunteer pitch for round two, keep an eye on OCPD's Facebook - next time, they might need a bigger lab.
