This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Marijuana Breathalyzer Invented By Former B.C. Mountie

Weed Breathalyzer Invented By Ex-Mountie

A retired B.C. RCMP officer has spearheaded a breathalyzer designed to detect marijuana on a driver's breath.

Kal Malhi was inspired to develop the device after coming across a Swedish study about breath testing technology, according to the Delta Optimist.

The Langley man then partnered with Vancouver's Dr. Raj Attariwala and Florida's Dr. Bruce Goldberger to make the Cannabix Breathalyzer a reality.

Police currently use saliva, blood, and urine samples to test drivers for marijuana use, but thetests are unreliable because pot can stay in someone's system for several days, News 1130 reports. This makes it hard to figure out if the person was actually high when they were driving.

It's a problem because drivers think they won't get caught for smoking and driving, according to Malhi.

"People are becoming very afraid to drink and drive nowadays because they feel that they will get caught and charged, but they’re not afraid to drug and drive because they don't feel that law enforcement will do anything about it," he told CTV News.

The Cannabix Breathalyzer, which could potentially detect if the driver had used marijuana within the previous two hours, still has to go through field testing, the outlet said. A patent is pending.

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Also on HuffPost

MediJean, Richmond, B.C.

Medical Marijuana In Canada: Commercial Producer MediJean

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.