Can the police test the ash in your ashtray in your car and determine that it is ash from marijuana, then?

Question

arrest you for use or possesion of marijuana? Even if no other evidence is found such as : roaches, papers, pipes...Nothing. Please help?

Answer 1

Yes, they can and do if they feel it is justified. I did it once, but only as supporting evidence for the case where a defendant tried to say it was his cousin’s weed and he never touched the stuff. At the time, I was a very young officer and didn’t even have any test kits in my car. Fortunately, the Sgt was there and he DID have test kits in his car. It was the defendant’s car and there was residue in the ash tray. This was enough to convince the defendant to have a talk with the DA and the Judge before we actually stepped into court. He decided community service was a very good option.

Just remember, as soon as you think they won’t, they will. Besides, if the pot is making you paranoid, also remember….. we’re watching you. m(*u*)m

Answer 2

Sure they can but rarely would they go to the expense involved. But they don't really need that.... no matter how careful you are a search or impounding your car and then searching will find something. No way to hide it.... a cop can smell it a mile away or tell by your answers and demeanor, even if you are straight right then. Bottom line never ever smoke in your car! Now if is your home they already have more than enough if they are doing a search. Best thing to do is be smart..... if you must smoke do it outside. But if you are so worried you might think about backing off a bit.

Answer 3

Yes, they could. But they won't, because they have more important things to do.
Don't leave any incriminating evidence laying around.
Like, throw the ashes on the ground in the your backyard or something so they'll disinegrate into the dirt, and wash the ashtray and clean out the pipes/bongs/lungs/bowls so that if the cops find it, you just say it's laying around.
And hide the papers. The last thing you need is the cops asking questions about your Zig Zags.
F*** the cops, man.

Answer 4

k... so chances are they're not going to do that unless you have a. a record of drug use, or b. smell marijuana when they've pulled you over, or c. have way too much time on their hands. BUT, yes, it's legal for them to do it 'cause the ash's are in plain sight.

Answer 5

yes if they are doing a legal valid search, they could test the ash in your ashtray if they wish to ( but I don't know of any that have)

Answer 6

Well, I knew that pot made ppl parinoid but this is wayyyy over the top!!!! LOL If you don't want the problem of getting caught with the stuff, then don't have it and don't use it........simple, case closed!!! God ppl use your head for something besides a hat rack!!!

Answer 7

It's always best in these circumstances to 'remember' that hitch hiker on x road at x time you gave a lift to who was smoking a smelly cigarette. Don't even go down the route of arguing with cops for legality. They aren't paid to be fair, they're paid to be loyal.... And not to you.

Answer 8

Look--they could if the wanted to...but I have not seen one that would go to that extreme.

You have some issues w/paranoia....that should tell you maybe it's time to stop hittin tha pipe.

Answer 9

Probably. Lose the weed. Get a real job.

Answer 10

!wow! - ok... thats just WAY TOO paranoid!!!!
you need to make better use of your time!
like - a JOB maybe...
just a thought...
anyway... the answer is: yes - but believe me, they probably wouldn't waste the time.