Alcohol Countermeasure Systems announces continued development of an ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensor for the detection of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Drug impaired driving continues to pose a significant road safety issue. Recent data indicates that driving within two-hours of using marijuana has substantially increased along with a growing public concern regarding the ability to accurately detect cannabis use in drivers for traffic safety enforcement. The level of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, in the blood peaks within 30 minutes of smoking cannabis and is detectable with oral fluid testing kits for approximately two hours. However, the impairing effects of the drug may last for several hours.

The legalization of recreational cannabis use has further increased road safety concerns and the urgent need for a rapid, reliable, non-invasive roadside test for sensitive and selective detection of low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the breath or in the saliva of a driver. Presently, approximately 24% of drivers report driving within two hours of consumption and with increased accessibility of cannabis through legalization, this alarming statistic will certainly increase.

Alcohol Countermeasure Systems group of scientists continues to work with universities in Canada to sponsor research and development of a roadside test that could quickly and reliably detect drugs on the breath or in the saliva of a driver. With this most recent research development, ACS worked in partnership with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Calgary to demonstrate a novel drug detection method where THC is infused into carbon paper electrodes followed by electrochemical detection in an aqueous solution. This work illustrates a novel, reproducible, and sensitive electrochemical method for the detection of minute amounts of THC and oxidation properties of its common metabolites that could be adopted for use with human saliva samples. This research will be presented at the American Oil Chemistry Society (AOCS) Annual Meeting & Expo to be held April 26-29, 2020 in Montréal and subsequently at the 237th Electrochemical Society (ECS) Meeting with the 18th International Meeting on Chemical Sensors (IMCS 2020) in Montréal, Canada, May 10-15th, 2020.

According to Felix J.E. Comeau, President & CEO of ACS, “Having successfully developed a technological solution to prevent alcohol impaired driving through the ALCOLOCK network, ACS continues to work closely with legislators, regulators, as well as research and advocacy institutions to improve road safety. This continued investment with leading Canadian universities will enable us to leverage research and introduce new products to support changing legislation and tools for law enforcement agencies towards the rapid, reliable and low-cost electrochemical detection of Cannabis drugs”.

About ACS

Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, ACS, is an international group of companies with over 40 years experience developing innovative technology to prevent impaired driving. A technology leader and manufacturer of alcohol interlock devices and breath alcohol testers, ACS provides products and services to law enforcement, automotive, industrial, public and personal safety markets. For information regarding ACS efforts to improve global road safety please visit www.acs-corp.com

Research Abstract - https://ecs.confex.com/ecs/237/imcs/papers/index.cgi?username=135294&password=188622

For additional information, please contact:

Tony Power
ACS Research
research@acs-corp.com
60 International Boulevard
Toronto, Ontario M9W 6J2 Canada
www.acs-corp.com
416 619 3500