'Paradigm-Changing' Cannabis Breath Test Emerges As Weed Surpasses Alcohol In Daily Use

With cannabis consumption now surpassing alcohol as the daily substance of choice among Americans, it seems only fitting that an effective, scientifically validated breath test should be developed sooner rather than later.

While alcohol breath tests have been around for nearly a century, detecting cannabis in breath samples is far more complex, so say the numerous scientists racing to find a solution. Tara Lovestead, chemical engineer with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) compared it to "looking for a needle in a haystack."

But Now, A ‘Paradigm-Changing’ Method

NIST and University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that a single breath test might not reliably detect recent cannabis use in that marijuana can remain in the body for weeks – not the psychoactive effect – thus complicating the task of distinguishing between past and recent use.

Researchers say they're on to something: administering two breath tests within intervals of approximately one hour of each other. They contend, according to a recent NIST publication, that this approach could potentially lead to a reliable roadside test for cannabis.

"This is potentially paradigm-changing," said NIST materials research engineer Kavita Jeerage. "If successful, it could pave the way for on-the-spot detection of recent cannabis use by law enforcement."

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How Does It Work?

The concept is that two tests conducted at different times could reveal whether there is a significant decrease in THC levels in a driver's breath. However, the ideal interval between tests is still uncertain, though researchers suggest it should be as short as possible, especially if it is meant to be a roadside test.

In that our bodies metabolize and eliminate cannabis much more slowly than alcohol, research has shown that the amount of THC in regular cannabis users' breath on non-smoking days can sometimes be similar to levels measured an hour after consumption. This makes distinguishing between recent and past consumption particularly difficult among regular users.

It's Worth A Try And It's Essential

"A reliable breath test for cannabis is both a public safety and equity issue," said NIST’s Lovestead.

The ongoing pilot study, part of a $1.5 million interagency agreement between NIST and the National Institute of Justice, involves some 45 participants aged 25 to 50 from Denver and Boulder, Colorado and is expected to take up to two years.

"The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable tool that supports fair law enforcement and helps keep our roads safe," said Cinnamon Bidwell, associate professor and co-director of CUChange, a research center at the University of Colorado Boulder focused on health and risk behavior.

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Photo: Courtesy of Smarteless via Shutterstock