A “potalyzer” that can detect whether a driver is under the influence by marijuana is being perfected by Stanford University researchers.
Magnetic biosensors on the mobile device developed by materials science and engineering professor Shan Wang and her team can detect the presence of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in saliva, according to a Stanford news release.
Like a breathalyzer is used in alcohol impairment cases, police would be able to use a cotton swab to collect a spit sample and results would be available on a smart phone or laptop in three minutes.
News of the Stanford team’s development comes as California voters prepare to decide in the November election whether to legalize recreational marijuana.
HENRY KOTULA 