Race to develop marijuana breathalyzers before Canada legalizes drug

Apr 20, 2016 | 4:06 PM

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.