A new device developed by Oakland-based Hound Labs can detect whether a driver has smoked marijuana in the last two hours — a peak impairment timeframe — according to a recent report on NPR.

The device is designed to determine whether or not THC — the psychoactive component in pot — is in a person's breath. It can also double as an alcohol breathalyzer, providing law enforcement officials with a dual-tool for detecting intoxicants.

The new pot breathalyzer consists of three parts, including a handheld breathalyzer, an independent cartridge with a mouthpiece for taking breath samples that plug into it, and a processing unit, according to Car and Driver.

After the police officer takes the breath sample, he or she loads a cartridge into the processing unit, and in approximately four minutes, the results are in. The immediacy trumps any currently used method for testing for pot as today's blood, saliva and urine tests can take several days for a result.

Hound Labs says its goal is to provide law enforcement with "objective data at the roadside, just like we have for alcohol," reports NPR.

Even so, the sticky wicket that continues to challenge law enforcement nationwide is how to decide what level of THC constitutes impairment for driving. While Hound Labs' machine detects the presence of THC in the breath, it cannot calculate the amount of THC consumed, notes NPR.

Also, there is still no agreement among key stakeholders on what level of THC constitutes functional impairment. To date, only seven states, including Washington and Montana, have set legal guidelines as to how much THC in the system renders a motorist dangerous.
In the remainder of the nation, courts, police and scientists haven't been able to agree on which THC level translates into functional impairment, reports NPR.

Even so, the new pot breathalyzer holds promise. As legalization of both recreational and medical marijuana continues to sweep the nation, police are concerned about stoned drivers.

Consider, for example, Massachusetts where public safety officials recently joined forces with Sira Naturals, a marijuana business, in an effort to cut down on drugged driving, reports Masslive.com.

While Sira Naturals launched a public service announcement spotlighting the hazards of impaired driving, Massachusetts's officials debuted a public education and enforcement campaign. The objective of the education campaign is to urge pot smokers to use alternatives to driving such as public transit, designated drivers or ride-hailing services, reports the Hearld-Whig.

The first medical marijuana dispensaries opened in Massachusetts in 2015. About a year later, the state broadly legalized marijuana for ages 21 and over. Home growing and gifting is allowed within limits. The first recreational marihuana shops are slated to open in the state in the coming weeks, according to reports.

Does it work on synthetic MJ? Those don't contain THC.

flashguy

No field breath test is conclusive, but is just another chunk of probable cause. I will continue to rely on driving behavior, physical behavior, and SFST's to try to determine impairment and build a case. If these units become mainstream and reliable, it will be another tool in the toolbox.

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
Does it work on synthetic MJ? Those don't contain THC.

flashguy

That's not really marijuana. Might as well be asking if it can detect cocaine too.

It seems like an awfully difficult thing to regulate. All strains have different THC levels and can affect individuals differently so even if the meter can detect the level of THC how do you decide on an acceptable level vs punishment.

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
It seems like an awfully difficult thing to regulate. All strains have different THC levels and can affect individuals differently ...

Same is true of alcohol.

Unless those being tested are offered toothpaste, a toothbrush, and mouthwash prior to having to blow, this apparatus will be as legally useless as a regular breathalyzer.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
It seems like an awfully difficult thing to regulate. All strains have different THC levels and can affect individuals differently ...

Same is true of alcohol.

Unless those being tested are offered toothpaste, a toothbrush, and mouthwash prior to having to blow, this apparatus will be as legally useless as a regular breathalyzer.

Not nearly to the same extent though. A beer is a beer pretty much and everyone who drinks mixed drinks better stick to two unless you are there for quite a while. You can burn off a drink an hour or so.

How does that work with MJ? Plus there is no standard for MJ that would even qualify you to be impaired even if the meter could give you a level which it can’t. It just detects the trace of it. Tough to regulate for sure.

Now what's needed is a breathalyzer that upon reading an over the limit driver, gives him a swift kick in the groin...

Here’s how they do it in Canada.
https://youtu.be/2PLC_cBJwk4

Edibles man. You got anymore of the special brownies?