A company in California recently created a breathalyzer able to detect the amount of THC — the main active compound in marijuana — in a driver’s breath.
“In partnership with Triple Ring Technologies, we developed portable technology that meets or exceeds the gold standard used by forensic laboratories throughout the world,” Mike Lynn, CEO and co-founder of Hound Labs Mike Lynn said. “We offer a solution that not only extends the boundaries of clinical research, but also provides better information about recent marijuana use for employers, law enforcement and legislators who are trying to balance public safety with the fair treatment of responsible cannabis users.”
THC only stays in breath during the “peak window of impairment,” about one to two hours after smoking marijuana, according to Hound Labs. The level of THC found in breath samples drops to zero at three hours after smoking, the company’s research found.
When an individual blows into the breathalyzer, it can determine within a couple minutes whether there is alcohol, THC or both in the person’s system. Since THC is only present in someone’s breath during that peak two-hour window, the driver is considered impaired when it’s detected.
The breathalyzer would then display “Warning” if THC is detected and “Pass” if it is not.
Willow Park Police Chief Carrie West said there has been no discussion of using a marijuana breathalyzer at this time.
“The use of this device has not been discussed, at least not among my peers in Texas,” West wrote in an email to the Democrat Tuesday afternoon. “I do not anticipate any discussion in Texas while the substance is still illegal. Any test that identifies if an operator is operating a vehicle while impaired is beneficial, however, since possession of marijuana is still illegal in Texas, any amount is arrestable.”
There is a wide range of penalties for possession and manufacture or delivery of marijuana in Texas, but any amount could land you jail, according to FindLaw.com.
“In Texas, possession of even a tiny amount of marijuana can land you in jail; in fact, anything less than two ounces carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000,” according to the website. “But penalties are even more serious for possessing concentrates such as hash oil, which is charged as a felony and can result in up to two years in state prison.”
This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expanding its message about impaired driving to include drugs.
“Police conducting traffic stops tell us that they’re seeing more and more drivers under the influence of drugs,” NHTSA Executive Director Jack Danielson said. “It’s also what we’re seeing in the data: the number of drivers killed in crashes who tested positive for marijuana doubled from 2007-15.
“New ads will remind drivers that it’s illegal to drive impaired by any substance, regardless of whether its sale is legal in your community or it was legally prescribed. As the ad says, ‘If you feel different, you drive different. Drive high, get a DUI.’”
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