New Advancements Made to Cannabix Technologies Breathalyzer

Image | adobe.stock/Mitch

Cannabix Technologies Inc. (Cannabix), announced in a recent press release (1), that their Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer (CMB) technology received important updates which will help them “meet suggested emerging regulatory requirements in preparation for marketing,” (1). Engineers were able to update the Breath Collection Unit (BCU) through a variety of features. The BCU is a tool that is utilized for collecting delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) portably. The technology updates were influenced by the rise in cannabis breath detection being seen in the United States (US), as well as globally (1).

The New York Times recently published an article titled, “As Marijuana Use Grows, Effect on Road Safety Remains a Blind Spot,” (2). The article brings a spotlight to the challenges such as the “lack of tools” to identify drivers that may be cannabis-impaired (2). According to a 2019 survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (2,3), “…an estimated 14.8 million drivers (in the U.S) reported getting behind the wheel within one hour after using marijuana, and 70% of Americans thinking it’s unlikely a driver will get caught by police for driving while high on marijuana.” Some of the methods used to detect cannabis use are saliva, urine, and blood. As mentioned in the press release (1), the breathalyzer technology from Cannabix seeks to detect the presence of cannabis through “recent use detection of delta-9 THC.”

Rav Mlait, CEO of Cannabix said (1), “Cannabix is at the forefront of marijuana breathalyzer technology, and we anticipate that 2025 will hold significant milestones as the Company has matured its technology, partnerships and business opportunities. In the U.S., cannabis legalization has grown to 39 states for medical use and 24 states legalized for recreational use. This represents a major growth opportunity for Cannabix in the drug testing segment.”

Below are some of the highlights listed in the press release (1):

• Cannabix provides updated images of its Breath Collection Unit (“BCU”) and Breath Cartridge technology with several new features to the Company’s marijuana breathalyzer technology to meet industry and suggested emerging regulatory requirements.
• Major updates and improvements for the BCU include a smaller, lightweight, more ergonomic design and new removable, long-lasting, rechargeable Li-ion battery, allowing for easy battery replacement.
• The sample collection cartridge has been modified to be able to collect a single sample or dual sample consistent with federally regulated programs that require a simultaneous A & B sample collection. Furthermore, a new ambient air collection through a second cartridge is now available.
• New “on demand” periodic quality assurance check, a new startup self-check feature, and streamlined user interface.
• Cannabix is quickly advancing its marijuana breathalyzer technology, with key validation work well underway in the United States.

References

1. Cannabix Technologies Inc. Cannabix technologies announces key hardware advancements to marijuana breathalyzer technology https://cannabixtechnologies.com/investors/news-releases/cannabix-technologies-announces-key-hardware-advancements-to-marijuana-breathalyzer-technology/ (accessed Jan 16, 2025).
2. Londoño, E. As marijuana use grows, effect on road safety remains a blind spot https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/us/marijuana-driving-impairment.html (accessed Jan 16, 2025).
3. Gross, A. Americans don’t think they’ll get arrested for driving high https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/06/americans-dont-think-theyll-get-arrested-for-driving-high/ (accessed Jan 16, 2025).