Just like drivers aren’t allowed to be under the influence of alcohol while driving, cannabis consumers should not be driving while under the influence of cannabis. Detecting when a driver is under the influence of alcohol is easy, they simply take a breathalyzer. As the legalization of cannabis continues to rise, so does the need for methods to test whether drivers are under the influence of THC.
The breathalyzer has been around since the 1950s but there is currently no device like that for cannabis. However, there are several technology startups and university scientists that say they are close to commercializing something like the breathalyzer but specifically for cannabis.
With the alcohol breathalyzer, it must simply pick up whether there is alcohol in the drivers’ system as well as whether the amount is over the legal limit. If the driver has a score over the legal limit, they’re in trouble, whether it impaired their capabilities or not. For cannabis, the device they use will need to detect recent cannabis consumption and it must be able to pick up whether the cannabis in their system is impairing their abilities. Keep in mind that there are countless strains of cannabis and each one affects its’ consumer differently. Perhaps, the device simply needs to pick up whether the driver has consumed it at all.
This may be tricky to obtain as cannabis can remain in a persons’ system long after the “high” has worn off. Hypothetically, they can’t set a quantity level either as each person responds differently to different quantities and tolerance. For instance, if my mother and I had to take the same quantity of the same strain, she would be more “high” than myself. This is probably due to my tolerance but could also be explained by differences in what our bodies are equipped to handle.
The findings of a University of California study showed that THC could be detected in breath for up to three hours after smoking. The company that sponsored this study, Hound Labs, has managed to raise more than $60 million to develop a breathalyzer that can detect alcohol and cannabis. What is significant about their study is that they were only able to detect cannabis in the breath after a certain about of time but it couldn’t pick up intoxication levels per se.
Hound Labs has stated they are not trying to test for levels of cannabis intoxication either, they simply want a warning that cannabis has been consumed within the last 3 hours. This device is certainly progressive but neglects to cover edibles and the other methods of consumption. Despite that, Hound Labs remain ahead in the race.
There is minimal research on how to test for drivers that are under the influence of cannabis. Perhaps if more research was done, we could figure out the criteria for what we should test drivers for. There is not much success behind applying the rules of alcohol to cannabis, which doesn’t play by the same ones.
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that impacts millions worldwide, leading to extreme mood swings, intense emotional episodes, and difficulty managing day-to-day life. But there may be some good news for those coping with this mental health issue. According to recent research, cannabis could offer unique benefits as part of an approach to managing bipolar…
As cannabis enthusiasts, we’re all too familiar with the stigma surrounding its use and the hoops that have to be jumped through to get it into medical research trials. But recent news of the DEA’s approval of a cocaine derivative for Parkinson’s disease research has left us scratching our heads. In light of this, one…
Despite the fact that the legal cannabis industry is growing, many people are still purchasing from the illicit market. A recent study investigated this matter and found that buying cannabis from the illicit market may be “better” than legal weed. The obvious reasons for choosing the illicit market over the legal market include the likes…
New York City’s newest recreational dispensary is a big win, Mississippi opened its medical cannabis market, and Hong Kong banned CBD. Let’s…
Nations across the globe are beginning to recognize the dangers of restrictive drug policies—aka the “war on drugs.” Colombia and Mexico recently…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…