Many people who live in California are proud of their state for once again being among the leaders when it comes to changing societal attitudes. California is one of the few states to have made legal the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. While several residents appreciate and enjoy the ability to smoke pot or consume marijuana in some other form, others are putting their efforts toward finding ways to crack down on these people.
As reported by Newsweek, one company has reportedly developed what it says can become the pot breath test equivalent to the alcohol breath test device. Interestingly , the company that has created the unit is based in California. Cited reasons for the development include concerns about impaired driving by people who have used marijuana and then get behind the wheel of a car. Certainly, safety on the road is important but so too is fair treatment of drivers.
The makers of the new unit claim that their product can identify use of pot within the prior two hours. They further assert that it is during this time that impairment would be most likely. Critics, on the other hand, say that the active ingredient in marijuana, commonly referred to as THC, can remain in a person’s system not just for hours but for days or even weeks.
It is unclear just how accurate the results of this new device really might be. Also unknown is whether or not any local law enforcement units in California will be putting the device to use any time soon.