A classic breathalyzer makes it very easy to assess a driver's blood alcohol level. However, when it comes to cannabis, developing a similar device immediately becomes more complicated. However, researchers are working on the issue in the United States.
Who has never blown in the balloon? Surely each of us knows that the breathalyzer (or rather the breathalyzer) offered by law enforcement is very effective. Within seconds, the device renders its verdict and allows to quickly decide on the near future of the driver. As CNN explains in an article of January 27, 2020, to develop such a powerful device for cannabis, intended to precisely determine a level of presence of THC in the body , is not an easy task.
However, the question arises more and more in the United States where the famous plant is legal in 34 States . Let's take this opportunity to remember that consuming cannabis can also affect the driver's condition and increase the risk of an accident. In reality, it is not easy to detect whether someone smoked an hour or a day ago. In addition, smoking one or more days before driving is not illegal in the United States and not all organizations are equal when it comes to the substance. The objective is therefore to find a solution allowing to precisely measure the state of an individual.
According to a study published in the journal Clinical Chemistry in July 2019, the University of California in San Francisco (USA) made an interesting discovery. According to researchers, THC can be detected in the breath up to three hours later having smoked. In addition, according to the study, there is a correlation between THC concentrations and blood concentrations during this period of time. This study was sponsored by the start-up Hound Labs, whose ultimate goal is to market a dual device allowing the detection of both alcohol and cannabis.
Other less advanced (or less credible) research ) are currently in progress. Let us quote for example the development of a mobile application which would have for objective to test the faculties of the individual to see if it is weakened by the consumption of a psychoactive substance. Other researchers believe that virtual reality could have a say. It is about an test based on eye movements of the person tested.
In any case, some scientists across the Channel are categorical:the technology or technologies that will be adopted must be effective. In other words, it will not be enough for them to detect the presence of THC in the body. It will be necessary to be able to determine for sure whether a person is fit to drive or not.
Source
Related Articles:
