We all knew it was coming eventually. With the quickly spreading acceptance and legalization of marijuana for recreational use, it was only a matter of time before a consistent way to monitor it was created. Hound Labs has recently introduced a new version of the tried and true roadside breathalyzer, except this time it’s looking for pot smokers. The new device boasts sensors able to detect THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in parts per trillion. The device will look for and accurately detect picograms of THC in your breath instantly. The science behind the device is pretty solid, the problem lies with how the law will interpret these results.

After Washington passed initiative 502 which legalized recreational pot, the legal limit for THC in the bloodstream was established at 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. As you may have noticed, there is a significant difference between a nanogram, and a picogram. So it begs the question, how will the use of these devices affect law enforcement? Laws are currently vague on what constitutes clear impairment in the case of drugs in the bloodstream. However, it appears that these laws may soon need major revisions to keep up with the technology. You can be sure we will have all the details as soon as we know.

One thing we know for certain is that this technology and the laws that will soon follow will make successfully defending your rights in a DUI case that much harder. Make sure you have the best possible defense on your side. Get yourself a Former Prosecutor now!