A Washington State University professor and doctoral student are developing a breathalyzer device to identify traces of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in drivers who are showing signs of impairment. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent in marijuana.
Washington State University chemistry Professor Herbert Hill and doctoral student Jessica Tufariello are basing the breathalyzer’s operability on a technique called ion-mobility spectrometry, which helps to detect THC in someone's breath. Ion-mobility spectrometry separates and identifies ionized molecules in the gas phase based on their mobility in a carrier buffer gas.
The marijuana breathalyzer is being designed as a handheld device similar to those used by police to determine if someone is under the influence of alcohol. As the marijuana breathalyzer is still under development, police have been relying on more traditional methods for determining whether someone is under the influence, such as blood tests and field sobriety tests. A 2012 study found that only 30 percent of those under the influence of marijuana failed standard sobriety tests, and unfortunately, blood test results can take up to 24 hours to come back. The THC breathalyzer is expected to provide a more immediate way to detect the presence of the drug.
“We believe at least initially that it would lower the false positives that an officer would have,” Professor Hill said. “They would have a higher level of confidence in making an arrest.”
The issue of “driving while stoned” has gained increasing attention as more and more states consider making marijuana legal for recreational and medical use. Thus far, Washington, Colorado, Alaska, and Oregon have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Research has proven that marijuana affects reaction time, short-term memory, hand-eye coordination, concentration and perception of time and distance. The penalty for smoking marijuana and then being caught behind the wheel of a car is a DUI arrest.
Via Bloomberg and Maine News; Image via Google Images
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
