How can a breathalyzer be used to identify cannabis use in drivers? This is what a recent study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice and sponsored by National Institute of Justice hopes to address as a lone researcher investigated how a new type of breathalyzer could be used to identify road impairment from cannabis. This study has the potential to help researchers, law enforcement, legislators, and the public better understand new methods for limiting cannabis impairment while driving, which comes as an increasing number of states are legalizing recreational marijuana.
For the study, Dr. Emanuele Alves, who is a professor of forensic science at Virginia Commonwealth University, built a 3-D printed device that could potentially be used to detect traces of delta-9 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBN (Cannabinol). Dr. Alves tested the device, which consists of a series of dyes, hydrogels, gelatins, and resins, to ascertain if it could detect traces of cannabis substances based on color change and fluorescence. In the end, the device was found to successfully identify the difference between delta-9 THC and CBD based on specific colors. Additionally, the device was found to be highly sensitive while delivering almost instantaneous results.
The study notes, “Recently, breath analysis has gained significant attention as a non-invasive method for the detection of chemicals or mixtures of chemicals in exhaled breath, but noncommercial dispositive for marijuana based in situ results, such as in alcohol breathalyzers, are not available. The outcome of this project is the fundamental chemical foundation and the initial prototype for the development of a [delta]9-THC breathalyzer. The device developed in this project is a portable tool to increase safety on the roads and for [delta]9-THC use monitoring.”
How will this new breathalyzer help curb driving impairment from cannabis in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Marijuana Moment
