As the legalization of cannabis continues to gain momentum across the world, concerns regarding driving under the influence of marijuana have also emerged. With cannabis being legal in a number of states, a reliable and efficient method of detecting marijuana intoxication while driving has become necessary. Although the breathalyzer is widely used as a tool for alcohol detection, the same cannot be said for cannabis, due to the fact that marijuana impairs driving abilities differently from alcohol. This article explores the current state of cannabis impairment test and the future of detection methods.
Driving under the influence of cannabis has become a growing cause for concern. Unlike alcohol, THC, the active ingredient in marijuana can be detected in the body long after the effects have worn off. This makes it incredibly difficult to determine whether a driver is still impaired or not. Furthermore, unlike alcohol, there is no established legal limit for THC in the bloodstream, making it challenging to establish a universal metric for impairment.
However, a handful of companies are working to find a solution to this problem. Hound Labs, for example, has developed a breathalyzer that aims to detect THC in addition to alcohol. The device uses a proprietary technology that can detect THC molecules in the breath, making it easier for law enforcement to determine impairment. Other companies such as Cannabix Technologies Inc., are also working towards developing a breathalyzer that can help determine cannabis impairment.
On the other hand, researchers are also looking at other means of detecting cannabis in the bloodstream. A study conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found that the use of sweat patches could also be helpful in detecting cannabis use. This method is non-invasive, and can easily collect sweat samples from an individual for up to two weeks. The results of the study are promising and offer an alternative method of detecting cannabis use.
Moreover, researchers are also focused on developing methods of identifying the level of impairment that different amounts of THC can cause. One study from the University of British Columbia identified that low levels of THC had little to no effect on driving performance, while higher levels resulted in significant impairment. These findings are useful for law enforcement and will help them determine the appropriate measures to take for different levels of driving impairment.
Despite the progress being made towards the detection of cannabis impairment, there are some challenges that still need to be addressed. Unlike alcohol, THC is stored in the fat cells of the body, leading to varying levels of detection in the bloodstream over time. This makes it challenging for law enforcement to determine whether the individual was impaired during the time of driving or not.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the future of cannabis impairment testing is promising. Companies such as Hound Labs and Cannabix Technologies are working towards developing reliable breathalyzers that can detect THC levels in an individual’s bloodstream. Researchers are also looking at alternative methods such as sweat patches and identifying different levels of impairment at different levels of THC use. Despite the challenges still faced, such as the long-term storage of THC in fat cells, the progress made so far is significant, and with further development, impaired driving by cannabis users could become less of a risk.