VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Cannabix Technologies Inc. announced its participation in a landmark workshop hosted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a federal agency dedicated to advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. The workshop, titled “Building a Path Forward for Meaningful Cannabis Breathalyzer Realization,” is set to convene in September at NIST’s Colorado facilities, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the critical challenges in developing reliable cannabis breathalyzer technology.
This event signifies a crucial step in the ongoing effort to establish standardized tools and equipment for detecting cannabis impairment, a growing concern in public safety as cannabis legalization continues to expand across the United States.
NIST’s Role in Advancing Cannabis Detection Standards
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), operating under the U.S. Department of Commerce, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and scientific soundness of measurements. The agency is not developing a breathalyzer itself but aims to foster an environment where such technologies can be developed with robust standards. The workshop is designed to foster an “open and candid discussion” among government officials, forensic experts, academics, industry representatives, law enforcement, and standards organizations. Topics on the agenda include the design and development challenges of marijuana breathalyzers, obstacles faced by prosecutors in drugged-driving cases, and potential collaborations to advance this field. The findings are expected to be compiled into a publicly available NIST internal report.
Cannabix Technologies’ Contribution to the Dialogue
Cannabix Technologies, a company specializing in the development of marijuana and alcohol breath testing devices, will be presenting its proprietary Marijuana Breath Test (MBT) technology at the workshop. The MBT system is designed to detect recent cannabis use by identifying the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, directly from breath samples. The system utilizes Cannabix’s Breath Collection Unit (BCU) and Breath Cartridge (BC) technologies, engineered to collect and preserve breath samples for analysis using gold-standard liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods.
Recent advancements in Cannabix’s equipment include a smaller, more ergonomic design for the BCU, a new removable rechargeable battery, and modifications to the sample collection cartridge to accommodate single or dual sample collection, aligning with federally regulated program requirements. These updates are influenced by the rising global trend in cannabis breath detection and the growing need for reliable detection tools.
The Complex Landscape of Cannabis Breath Testing
The development of a reliable cannabis breathalyzer presents significant scientific hurdles, distinct from alcohol breathalyzers. Unlike alcohol, where a clear blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is directly linked to impairment, THC’s presence and its correlation with impairment are far more complex. THC can linger in the body for days or weeks, making it challenging to distinguish recent use from past consumption, particularly for regular users. Previous NIST-funded research with the University of Colorado Boulder highlighted that for regular users, THC levels in breath on non-use days can sometimes be similar to levels an hour after use, indicating that a single breath measurement may not reliably indicate recent use or impairment. This lack of precise, easily accessible tools for roadside detection remains a significant challenge for law enforcement and public safety, often referred to as a “blind spot” in road safety efforts.
Moving Towards Standardization and Future Technology
Cannabix Technologies’ participation in the NIST workshop underscores the trending importance of collaboration between industry innovators and standardization bodies. By showcasing its advanced MBT technology and engaging with key stakeholders, Cannabix aims to contribute to the development of the scientific and technical foundations necessary for widespread adoption and regulatory acceptance. The company’s ongoing hardware enhancements and focus on recent THC detection position it to address the critical need for effective cannabis impairment detection tools and equipment in a rapidly evolving legal and social landscape. This collaboration is a vital step in the journey toward creating accurate, reliable, and standardized methods for identifying cannabis impairment, ultimately enhancing road safety and promoting fairness in enforcement. This news highlights a critical juncture in the pursuit of effective cannabis detection solutions.
