Race to develop marijuana breathalyzers before Canada legalizes drug
VANCOUVER — Companies developing breathalyzers to detect THC among suspected cannabis-impaired drivers appear to be entering a crowded field as Canada prepares to legalize marijuana.
Health Minister Jane Philpott announced today at a special United Nations session on drugs that legislation to begin the process of legalizing and regulating pot will be introduced next spring.
A University of British Columbia engineering professor is the latest to create a breathalyzer she says can detect the level of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in pot, to help police nab stoned drivers.
Mina Hoorfar says the hand-held device can detect the presence of THC in a person’s breath within seconds.