How close are we to THC breathalyzers?
Although researchers worldwide are making progress in detecting cannabis consumption, developing an effective and reliable THC meter remains complex.
The University of Colorado Boulder, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has been working on solutions to better measure the relationship between cannabis potency and impairment levels.
Current devices can detect the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) when recently consumed, but they fail to accurately assess a person’s actual intoxication level or the impact on cognitive and motor functions. This presents a significant challenge because, unlike alcohol—where intoxication is easily measured based on blood alcohol content—there is no clear correlation between THC concentration and real-world impairment.
Studies conducted in field test labs and mobile laboratories have shown that cannabis-induced impairment varies greatly between individuals, depending on factors such as the method of consumption, individual metabolism, and prior cannabis use. This means that a simple “yes/no” THC meter is not sufficient for accurately assessing impairment.
Although several highly publicized THC testers have entered the market, experts warn that these devices are not yet reliable and fail to deliver objective results. Meanwhile, cannabis research in the United States and other countries is still in relatively early stages, meaning there is no scientifically validated, universally accepted method to measure THC’s effects on the brain and body.
As cannabis legalization continues across various countries and states, the demand for a precise and trustworthy THC meter to assess impairment in traffic and workplaces is increasing. However, experts predict that before such a device becomes practically usable and scientifically recognized as a standard, several more years of research and development may be required.
