Drunk drivers are usually the ones who are faced with a breathalyzer test when caught driving under the influence but now, cannabis consumers will be breathalyzed too.

Two companies – Hound Labs of California and a Canadian company called SannTek – are working hard to prevent instances of driving under the influence of cannabis. By mid-2020, both companies anticipate that their roadside cannabis breathalyzers will hit the market.

Hound Labs and SannTek have designed their cannabis breathalyzer devices to detect the high-inducing cannabinoid, THC.

‘Tetrahydrocannabinol’, as scientists like to call it, is the cannabis plant’s primary psychoactive compound best known for its mind-altering effects.

Anyone who has smoked THC-rich weed within the last three hours will test positive, according to the cannabis breathalyzer companies.

Considering the rise in legalization – 33 U.S. states have legalized for medical purposes and 11 for adult-use – cannabis breathalyzers are critical to ensure public safety is not at risk.

Determining whether or not a motorist is under the influence of weed can take time and cost a lot of money. Typically, law enforcement officials will seek out the services of trained Drug Recognition Officers (DROs). Individuals in this line of work will be able to differentiate the signs of impairment caused by a variety of narcotics.

DRO’s could soon be out of a job if the new THC breathalyzers are a hit. Considering the fact that they will minimize police costs and time, there’s a good chance that law enforcement departments will integrate cannabis breathalyzers into their everyday operations.

By using the technology to target cannabis DUI offenders, the accused can be accurately deemed guilty or innocent, based on what result the breathalyzer returns.

Companies responsible for developing THC breathalyzer strive to improve workplace safety

Hound Labs and SannTek are on a mission to enhance safety in the working environment with their cannabis breathalyzer devices.

Due to expanding legalization, more consumers are likely turning up to work under the influence of cannabis. For employees who are operating heavy machinery or are exposed to a hazardous environment, they could endanger themselves and others.

A nanotechnology engineer who works at SannTek, Noah Debrincat, says that the THC breathalyzer developed by his company will be able to spot whether or not someone has consumed cannabis within a three-hour time window.

“I actually do see it as benefiting all parties,” he said during an interview with the Sacramento Bee.

Since the majority of workplace drug tests detect cannabis consumption as far back as 30 days, it is imperative that more accurate tests are introduced. Failure to do so means that occasional consumers may risk their job, even if they haven’t touched the plant for a month.

In spite of the fact that both companies’ cannabis breathalyzers could simplify the process of tracking down ‘high’ drivers, law enforcement officials haven’t shown support for THC breathalyzer devices just yet.