Breathalyzer invented to detect marijuana use

The developed device has been created by chemists based at the University of British Columbia. The device is calibrated to detect levels of tetrahydrocannabinol in the breath. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of cannabis, and it functions by stimulating the body in an enhanced way to the natural cannabinoids that make up the human biochemical system (mimicking a neurotransmitter termed anandamide. The molecule plays a role in pain, depression, appetite, memory, and fertility.)

With the new Canadian-invented device, any detection of the chemical on the breath could be used as an indicator that the person is under the influence of the drug.

Given the wider spread use of marijuana, whether that is for medicinal or recreational purposes, the driver from the breathalyzer is clear. Marijuana exerts a psychoactive influence over the brain and causes a loss of judgement and slower reactions to a similar extent to alcohol. Tetrahydrocannabinol affects spatial perception, thinking and memory.

The device was invented by Professor Mina Hoorfar, who is an engineer by background. Speaking with Laboratory Roots, the academic indicated he was motivated by concerns with road safety. It is possible to test for tetrahydrocannabinol levels in blood or saliva; however the tests take several hours to process. Professor Hoorfar was keen to develop something that works in real time.

Cannabix Technologies new breathalyzer. The Cannabix device would be used to help establish recent use/impairment at roadside.

Cannabix Technologies

Discussing the device further, the scientist stated: “It’s very easy to test for THC as it is a big molecule that stays in your breath for a long time.”

He went onto add: “There is a period of 12 hours after you have consumed THC when it can still be detected in your breath.”

One point of contention with the device is that it is a presence or absence detector. Some might argue that it is unknown how much tetrahydrocannabinol is needed to impair judgement and whether this is likely to vary between individuals.

The new device costs only $15 (Canadian) to produce and it is likely to go into commercial production soon. Further details are discussed in the video below: