Like that of the standard breathalyzer, which detects your blood alcohol, the cannabis breathalyzer determines how much THC is in your system, and if you are too impaired to drive. The device operates through a cannabinoid fuel cell, which detects the THC present in the user’s breath.
This invention is considered a major improvement over current THC detection methods such as saliva, blood or urine. Such methods are considered inaccurate, as the results are often inconsistent due to the presence of THC remaining in a user’s system for several weeks after consumption.
Samples are placed in a solution, which are then oxidized. The process involves removing a hydrogen molecule from the THC, generating a current that is then measured. The strength of the electrical current represents how much THC is in the sample. So, the stronger the current, the higher the THC concentration.
Once researchers figure out how to configure the technology for handheld devices, expect to see a new cottage industry to be born. The end goal is to create portable, rapid, and cheap THC testing, and to adapt the devices so that they can test for alcohol as well.
Plans include connecting the breathalyzer to a car’s ignition, which could potentially cut down on impaired driving. The device would stop the vehicle from starting if the breathalyzer detected the user had too much THC in their system.
While there is much to be determined from both research and legal standpoints, these inventions are a sign of what we can expect to see over time.
Sources: American Chemical Society, NBC News, UCLA