Topical review on monitoring tetrahydrocannabinol in breath

J Breath Res. 2020 May 13;14(3):034002. doi: 10.1088/1752-7163/ab6229.

Abstract

Legalization of cannabis for recreational use has compelled governments to seek new tools to accurately monitor Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and understand its effect on impairment. Various methods have been employed to measure Δ9-THC, and its respective metabolites, in different biological matrices. Recently, breath analysis has gained interest as a non-invasive method for the detection of chemicals that are either produced as part of biological processes or are absorbed from the environment. Existing breath analyzers function by analyzing previously collected samples or by direct real-time analysis. Portable hand-held devices are of particular interest for law enforcement and personal use. This paper reviews and compares both commercially available and prototype devices that proclaim Δ9-THC detection in exhaled breath using methods such as Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Semiconductor-Enriched Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube chemiresistors, Liquid Chromatography Tandem-mass Spectrometry, microfluidic-based artificial olfaction, and optical-based gas sensing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Fluids / chemistry
  • Breath Tests / methods*
  • Cannabis / chemistry
  • Dronabinol / analysis*
  • Exhalation
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Dronabinol