Washington State University Breathalyzer Study Recruits Volunteer Cannabis Consumers

Washington State University (WSU) recently announced that it will be conducting a special study on people consuming cannabis. Requirements for the program were that participants live within Washington State who are 21 years or older, and in return for their time, WSU will pay the participants.

Researches at WSU hope to study cannabis consumers in order to help develop a new breathalyzer that can detect the presence of cannabis. Volunteers will begin the process by giving a blood sample and mouth swab in the initial testing. They will then be asked to purchase cannabis of their choice from their local dispensary, where they will smoke in the privacy of their homes before being transported via taxi to a hospital for further testing. Under federal law, WSU cannot legally provide the cannabis directly to the volunteers and risk losing their federal funding if they do. Participants in the study will be paid $30 for the first hour and $10 for every additional hour following. The study began on May 16 and will run through June 15.

When the participants arrive at the hospital, they will undergo another round of secondary testing as well as a standard sobriety test conducted by a local law enforcement officer.

In Washington State, drivers found with five nanograms of active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be charged with driving under the influence. As of now, the only way to test for THC levels in the blood is with a proper blood test, which usually takes around 24 hours.

Research Assistant and City Councilor Nathan Weller, stated that the research team felt there was a need for quick response detection technology. “We’re trying to create a roadside tool for law enforcement and businesses to detect if someone is inebriated or under the influence of marijuana . . . This is cutting edge—there is nothing in the world like this.”

If this study is a success, it has the potential to set a standard and enforce concrete parameters regarding cannabis use, not just in the United States but all over the world.