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Researchers developing handheld breathalyser tool to test for THC

The technology has the potential to make cannabis law-enforcement fairer.

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Researchers developing handheld breathalyser tool to test for THC

Researchers say they are a step closer to developing a handheld breathalyser tool to detect THC after consumption of cannabis.

Scientists at UCLA in the US have been working on the development of a handheld tool – similar to an alcohol breathalyser – that can detect THC on a person’s breath after consuming cannabis.

In a paper published last month, UCLA chemistry professor Neil Garg and researchers from the startup ElectraTect Inc, describe the process by which THC, when introduced in a solution into their laboratory-built device, can be oxidised, creating an electric current.

The strength of this current indicates how much of the psychoactive compound is present.

With the recent legalisation and decriminalisation of cannabis in many countries and US states, the availability of a breathalyser-like tool could help make roadways safer, the researchers said. 

But beyond that, the technology also has the potential to make cannabis law-enforcement fairer. 

Generally, urine or blood tests are used to detect the presence of THC in drivers. Not only are these tests difficult to administer at the roadside, but they have been found to be inaccurate and ineffective at measuring impairment.

THC can remain in the body for weeks after cannabis use without any residual cognitive effects. This ambiguity can lead to fines, imprisonment or loss of employment, even if an individual is not intoxicated when tested.

Such issues highlight the need for innovative forensic technologies that are easier to use and more accurate for detecting recent cannabis use. 

READ MORE: What does UK law say about medical cannabis and driving?

In 2020, Garg and UCLA postdoctoral researcher Evan Darzi discovered that removing a hydrogen molecule from the larger THC molecule caused it to change colours in a detectable way. 

The process, known as oxidation, is similar to that used in alcohol breath analysers, which convert ethanol into an organic chemical compound through the loss of hydrogen.

In most modern alcohol breath analyser devices, this oxidation leads to an electric current that shows the presence and concentration of ethanol in the breath.

Since their 2020 finding, the researchers have been working with their patent-pending oxidation technology to develop a THC breath analyser that works similarly. 

How the new device works

In the new paper, the researchers detail how their THC-powered fuel cell sensor functions. 

When THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) comes into contact with a negatively charged electrode, or anode, on one side of the device’s H-shaped glass chamber, it oxidises into a new compound called THCQ. 

This sends electrons across the chamber to a positively charged electrode, or cathode, on the other side, generating a measurable electric current.

The higher the concentration of THC molecules, the stronger the current.

A technological breakthrough

The advance marks the first time THC has been used to power a fuel cell sensor. 

The researchers said they expect that the relatively simple, inexpensive technology, once perfected, can be scaled up for mass production.

They are currently working to refine the device to detect and measure THC in exhaled breath and to shrink it to a more compact size suitable for use in a handheld breath analyser or ignition interlock device — a breath analyser connected to a vehicle’s ignition that prevents it from starting if THC is detected.

While a commercial cannabis breath analyser based on this technology would still be several years off, Darzi and Garg stressed that such a tool could ultimately have benefits beyond traffic safety and law enforcement. 

Their technological breakthrough, they said, could ultimately be used in any situation where fair cannabis testing is critical, including in the workplace, where employees might be operating machinery, or even at home, where individuals may one day be able to use it proactively, before they ever get behind the wheel.

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Sarah Sinclair is a respected cannabis journalist writing on subjects related to science, medicine, research, health and wellness. She is managing editor of Cannabis Health, the UK’s leading title covering medical cannabis and CBD, and sister titles, Cannabis Wealth and Psychedelic Health. Sarah has an NCTJ journalism qualification and an MA in Journalism from the University of Sunderland. Sarah has over six years experience working on newspapers, magazines and digital-first titles, the last two of which have been in the cannabis sector. She has also completed training through the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society securing a certificate in Medical Cannabis Explained. She is a member of PLEA’s (Patient-Led Engagement for Access) advisory board, has hosted several webinars on cannabis and women's health and has moderated at industry events such as Cannabis Europa. Sarah Sinclair is the editor of Cannabis Health. Got a story? Email sarah@handwmedia.co.uk / Follow us on Twitter: @CannabisHNews / Instagram: @cannabishealthmag

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