Cannabis Breathalyzers: Michigan Companies Are Using Them Out, But Are They Accurate?

Several Michigan companies are now using new cannabis breathalyzers to check if someone is under influence of THC while on the job, especially in roles that involve operating heavy machinery. But, despite companies using them, they are not as reliable as breath tests for other substances.

Available Breathalyzer Technology

Developers have created a breathalyzer device for the workplace and beyond, gaining interest in states like California, Colorado and Michigan. Corey Cannova from Plan B Wellness, a Detroit dispensary, commented positively on the breathalyzer by Hound Labs. "If it helps with the safety of other people and even company and business property it would be beneficial,” Cannova told WXYZ Detroit.

The device tests if someone is under the influence of cannabis, similar to how police use breathalyzers for alcohol detection. "They should be doing it off their work time, instead of on work time,” Corey said. “It can impair their performance or cause an incident that could potentially get them out of work and cost the company money."

Read Also: Michigan Abandons Pre-Employment Cannabis Testing For Some State Jobs

Community Perspectives On Cannabis Breathalyzers

Metro Detroiter Rafiu Ajayi supports the device if used in response to an issue, not randomly. “There has to be a glaring reason to do that.”

In their product, the company highlights their product’s unique short detection window, which has been a long standing issue in the cannabis breathalyzers industry. These products are meant to deter workday consumption by isolating the detection of recent use, while preventing unfair failures for prior use.

Prominent attorney Matthew Abel, who helped legalize recreational cannabis in Michigan, emphasized focusing on impairment. "We should be looking at impairment, not just cannabis use,” Abel said. He praised the technology. "A hair sample will tell you if anyone has used cannabis within their hair life, but won't tell you if they are presently impaired."

Concentra Medical Centers in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties offer the testing for pre-employment, random screenings, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing. Negative results return within 24 hours, while positive results take 72-96 hours. Although in Michigan pre-employment cannabis testing was abandoned, at least for some state jobs

Breathalyzers Research Challenges

Bottom line is that scientists continues to have doubts suspects about the efficiency of short span testing. In fact, cannabis breathalyzers are not yet reliable, as recent studies show difficulty in detecting recent cannabis use accurately. Unlike alcohol, THC levels in breath do not consistently correlate with impairment, making it challenging to develop a dependable test for law enforcement and employers. Unlike ethanol, which is exhaled in copious amounts, THC is carried in aerosol particles, making detection complex. Research continues while some companies decide to implement them anyway to deter employees from using cannabis during their shifts.

• Read Next: Wall Street Waves Goodbye To Weed Testing: How Financial Giants Reshape Job Eligibility In The Cannabis Era

Cover: Photo by Rodolfo Gaion on Pexels