The Breathalyzer revolutionized the detection of alcohol use. Now, the gold standard for detecting marijuana use may have inched closer.
According to a newly published study in Science Translational Medicine, researchers associated with Massachusetts General Hospital developed a test for detecting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within saliva samples following marijuana consumption.
The research’s initial experimentation involving 43 marijuana users and 43 drug-free users led to relatively accurate readings of THC in saliva samples from all drug users, according to the findings.
From the study: “To enable on-site THC quantification in minutes, we developed a rapid assay for oral THC analysis called EPOCH (express probe for on-site cannabis inhalation).”
“EPOCH features distinctive sensor design such as a radial membrane and transmission optics, all contained in a compact cartridge.”
“Longitudinal monitoring showed a fast drop in THC concentrations within the first 6 hours of cannabis smoking (half-life, 1.4 hours),” researchers claimed in their findings.
