Story perspectives

3D-Printed Breathalyzer Aims to Detect Marijuana Impairment

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers are developing a 3D-printed marijuana breathalyzer to improve detection of impaired drivers.
With 24 states and Washington, D.C. legalizing marijuana, authorities seek effective enforcement of driving laws.
Emanuele Alves, a forensic science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads a Justice Department–funded project and tests 3D-printed cartridges to detect Delta-9 THC, CBD, and CBN.
Initial results indicate the tool could be portable and low-cost, deterring marijuana use before driving.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers are developing a 3D-printed marijuana breathalyzer to improve detection of impaired drivers.
With 24 states and Washington, D.C. legalizing marijuana, authorities seek effective enforcement of driving laws.
Emanuele Alves, a forensic science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads a Justice Department–funded project and tests 3D-printed cartridges to detect Delta-9 THC, CBD, and CBN.
Initial results indicate the tool could be portable and low-cost, deterring marijuana use before driving.