Solution found for chronic issue of roadside drug tests

A breathalyser test is being developed to help Police catch stoned drivers.

Developed by researchers at Washington State University, where marijuana use was recently legalised, the portable device will be able sense the presence of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, on the breath.

Working in much the same way as the standard alcohol testing kit that Police forces across the world already use, it’s hoped that the test will be able to give officers the ability to get a reading instantly.

Currently, officers who stop a motorist on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana have to rely on a blood sample, which can be time consuming to extract and analyse.

Cannabis has been legalised in four US states since 2012 as well as in Washington DC. In that time, crime figures have dropped in Colorado whilst Washington State reports an increase of over 6% in drivers arrested for driving whilst stoned.

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