Pubdate: Thu, 21 Apr 2016
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Page: A9
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Randy Shore

UBC ENGINEERS DEVELOP POT BREATHALYZER

Hand-Held Device Can Pinpoint THC Levels Within Seconds

Engineers developing a breath-based ketone sampler for diabetics have
switched gears to produce a hand-held marijuana breath analyzer just
as the federal government begins to explore legalization.

The device-about the size of two fingers - is a Bluetooth-enabled
breathalyzer that uses microfluidic technology and a selective gas
sensor to detect tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in
marijuana. The THC levels in a sample can be analyzed within seconds
and the results delivered to a smartphone.

"There are other breath analyzers out there for THC, but what is
different about ours is that our device is very selective," said Mina
Hoorfar, a professor of engineering at the University of British
Columbia Okanagan. "We use microchannels smaller than a human hair
with a polymer coating that separates the gas molecules, so no matter
what else you have eaten or ingested, it will only register the
molecule of interest."

The gas sensor at the end of the channel measures the levels of THC in
the sample with a high degree of accuracy, even if the person has also
consumed alcohol. The device functions accurately over a wide range of
temperature and humidity, a shortcoming of other breath analyzers.

"Our sensor works under extreme conditions," she said. "I know that
other sensors won't work if they are in very hot or humid conditions,
delivering false positives and negatives."

Hoorfar and PhD candidate Mohammad Paknahad created their prototype
using a 3D printer and say it can be manufactured for about $15.

"This is a tool not just for the police, but for self-testing," said
Hoorfar. "People can consciously make the choice to test themselves
after they have consumed THC or alcohol."

Legislation to begin the process of legalizing and regulating
marijuana will be introduced next spring, according to Health Minister
Jane Philpott, speaking Wednesday at the United Nations.

At a special UN session on drugs, Philpott acknowledged the pot plan
"challenges the status quo in many countries," but she said the
Liberal government is convinced it's the best way to protect youth,
while enhancing public safety.

Canada must do better when it comes to drug policy, she added, saying
the government's approach will be rooted in science and will address
the devastating consequences of drugs and drug-related crimes.

"I am proud to stand up for our drug policy that is informed by solid
scientific evidence and uses a lens of public health to maximize
education and minimize harm," she said.

With legalization on the horizon in Canada and already in place in
several U.S. states, Hoorfar believes her technology will find a ready
market.

Police in Colorado and Washington states use an oral swab to test
saliva, or can order a blood test, both of which take time to complete.

There is no legal definition of the amount of THC that can determine
if a person is too impaired to drive, but the UBC device can adapt to
any prescribed limit, Hoorfar said.

Hoorfar and Paknahad are not alone in the marijuana breathalyzer
market.

B.C.-based Cannabix Technologies is also working on a breath analyzer
for marijuana based on mass spectrometer technology. The publicly
traded firm recently raised $2 million to continue development of its
product.

The UBC-based team is prepared now to proceed to human trials and is
actively seeking a private-sector partner to continue product
development, according to Hoorfar.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D