Healthcare
Just Because You Have THC in Your Blood or Breath Does Not Mean You Are Impaired Says New Medical Study
According to a recent study, it was published that THC levels in breath or blood do not directly translate to an impairment or last time of cannabis use. The latest research released late last month gave further evidence that THC levels detected in the breath or blood of cannabis users are not an accurate measure of impairment. The researchers also discovered that THC levels in breath and blood do not give accurate proof of when last a test subject consumed cannabis.
Before kicking off the research, the researchers pointed out that establishing a factual metric of present cannabis use that relates to impairment has become a tricky goal. In some states, legislation has been set to establish legal limits regarding the level of THC in drivers’ blood. This is quite similar to the threshold limit of 0.08% for blood alcohol concentration which is effective nationwide.
With such limits set for breath and blood THC levels in several states, several critics have condemned the idea. They contended that such a threshold has little correlation with the level of intoxication and impairment which varies from one person to the next. As regards cannabis, similar concentration has different effects on persons.
According to the researchers, the study offers additional evidence that specific ratios of unique delta-9 THC levels in the blood do not directly translate to impairment. Hence, the use of a legal threshold for delta-9 THC at this present time is not justifiable scientifically. The whole research was published in the Journal Scientific Reports.
To carry out the research, the researchers enlisted several test subjects, many of which were frequent marijuana users. The researchers then evaluated THC concentration in their breath and blood before and after smoking cannabis.
Before smoking cannabis, the researchers took the reading of the initial THC levels of the test subjects. The average THC levels were recorded at 5mg/ml which exceeded the legal THC levels threshold of most cannabis legalized states. The researchers pointed out that at that THC level, none of the test subjects were impaired. After the subjects smoked cannabis, the researchers took note of an inverse relationship between impairment and THC blood levels.
The researchers noted that their experiment was consistent with previous studies that have proven that delta-9 THC can be perceived in breath after several days of use. Given that the best breath-based testing technologies for cannabis only deface delta-9 THC, there’s the likelihood of false-positive test results. This is because delta-9 THC persists in the breath outside the impairment window.
New Study Supported by Previous Research
Comparing the result of the latest research with a study published in the Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Review journal late last year, the results seem to be consistent. In the 2021 research, researchers from the University of Sydney evaluated all the accessible studies on THC levels in saliva and blood and driving performance.
The author of the research, Dr. Danielle McCartney noted that high THC levels in the blood can be linked with heightened impairment among rare cannabis users. On the other hand, no considerable relationship was established among frequent cannabis users. This implies that oral fluid and blood THC concentrations are poor determinants of delta-9 THC-induced impairment.
To carry out the research, the researchers evaluated data from 28 different publications that evaluated the consumption of ingested or inhaled cannabis. The researchers then went on to evaluate the link between driving performance and THC concentration using distinct driving skills metrics like divided attention and reaction time.
The researchers recorded a weak correlation between impairment among rare cannabis users and THC levels. However, no correlation was recorded between impairment among frequent cannabis users and THC levels in the saliva or blood. Please note that frequent cannabis users here are individuals that use cannabis weekly or daily.
Certainly, this is not to suggest that there are no correlations whatsoever between driving impairment and THC concentration. This is just an indication that THC levels in the saliva or blood are poor metrics for THC intoxication. The author of the research also noted that the result of the study now questions the credibility of the popular random THC testing in several countries. This also includes law enforcement’s reliance on this test in the United States.
McCartney affirmed that the result of the study shows that unimpaired persons could be mistakenly identified as impaired when THC thresholds are set. Similarly, drivers who are impaired following cannabis use might not reflect on the mobile testing which is quite dangerous.
Lambert Initiative’s academic director, Professor Iain McGregor, who has been in charge of the initiative studying the medical prospect of marijuana gave some interesting comments. He affirmed that THC levels within the body have a very complicated relationship with impairment. The direct and strong relationship between impaired driving and blood-alcohol concentration has painted a false image regarding drugs. People now think such a relationship is constant with drugs but that’s not the case with marijuana.
McGregor added that an inexperienced person with cannabis can consume a minute quantity of oral THC and be unfit to drive. Yet, blood tests will show very low oral and blood fluid THC levels. Meanwhile, an experienced cannabis user may take a large THC dose and show no signs of impairment even when the test reads high blood and oral fluid THC levels.
Conclusion
It is evident that there’s a need for an effect and reliance method to identify cannabis impairment in place of work and on the road. Numerous studies have proven that the present mobile THC testing and limits set by cannabis legalized states are not foolproof.
The result of the study shows that unimpaired persons could be mistakenly identified as impaired when THC thresholds are set. Similarly, drivers who are impaired following cannabis use might not reflect on the mobile testing which is quite dangerous.
Hopefully, a more ideal policy and testing procedure will be established that adequately address THC levels and impairment.
Education News
AIIMS Gorakhpur Reservation Controversy: FIR Alleges Fake OBC Certificate Used Despite ₹80 Lakh Income
A major controversy has emerged at AIIMS Gorakhpur after allegations surfaced that reservation benefits were misused to secure a postgraduate medical seat. A criminal case has been registered against former AIIMS Gorakhpur Executive Director Dr. G.K. Pal and his son, Dr. Oro Prakash Pal, over the alleged use of a forged Other Backward Class (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer certificate for admission to an MD course.
The case has triggered widespread debate within medical and administrative circles, raising serious questions about transparency and oversight in admissions to premier medical institutions.
FIR Filed on Court’s Direction
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the AIIMS police station following directions from Chief Judicial Magistrate Tvishi Srivastava. According to the complaint, the alleged offence took place on August 30, 2024, when forged documents were purportedly used to obtain an MD seat under the OBC reservation quota.
Sources indicate that the matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the Union Ministry of Health, prompting internal reviews and administrative action.
Alleged Income Far Above Eligibility Threshold
Central to the allegations is the claim that Dr. G.K. Pal and his wife Parvati Pal have a combined annual income exceeding ₹80 lakh. Under existing reservation rules, families with such income levels are not eligible for OBC Non-Creamy Layer benefits.
Following the emergence of the controversy, Dr. Pal was first removed from his position at AIIMS Gorakhpur and later relieved of responsibilities at AIIMS Patna. He is currently posted at JIPMER Puducherry. With the registration of the FIR, officials suggest that further legal and departmental action may follow, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Complaint Highlights Systemic Concerns
The complaint was filed by Ashutosh Kumar Mishra, a resident of Divyanagar in the Cantonment area. He alleged that the events related to the case occurred between January and September 2024. The complainant argued that misuse of reservation provisions by individuals in senior positions undermines the integrity of public institutions and erodes trust in the medical education system.
The case has reignited concerns over whether verification mechanisms for reservation certificates are robust enough, particularly in high-stakes admissions.
Impact on Medical Community
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity. Experts believe that if the claims are substantiated, the case could prompt a broader review of admission procedures and lead to stricter scrutiny of category certificates across institutions like AIIMS.
Authorities have stated that all relevant documents will be carefully examined before taking further steps. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for accountability and compliance in medical admissions.
Questions Await Answers
As the probe continues, several key issues remain unresolved: whether reservation norms were deliberately violated, how verification processes failed, and whether similar cases may surface in the future. For now, the focus remains on the investigation and its potential consequences.
New Mexico regulators fined a cannabis operator nearly $300,000 and revoked its license after the company allegedly created fake reports in the state’s traceability software.
The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) accused marijuana manufacturer and retailer Golden Roots of 11 violations, according to Albuquerque Business First.
Golden Roots operates the The Cannabis Revolution Dispensary.
The majority of the violations are related to the Albuquerque company’s improper use of BioTrack, which has been New Mexico’s track-and-trace vendor since 2015.
The CCD alleges Golden Roots reported marijuana production only two months after it had received its vertically integrated license, according to Albuquerque Business First.
Because cannabis takes longer than two months to be cultivated, the CCD was suspicious of the report.
After inspecting the company’s premises, the CCD alleged Golden Roots reported cultivation, transportation and sales in BioTrack but wasn’t able to provide officers who inspected the site evidence that the operator was cultivating cannabis.
In April, the CCD revoked Golden Roots’ license and issued a $10,000 fine, according to the news outlet.
The company requested a hearing, which the regulator scheduled for Sept. 1.
At the hearing, the CCD testified that the company’s dried-cannabis weights in BioTrack were suspicious because they didn’t seem to accurately reflect how much weight marijuana loses as it dries.
Company employees also poorly accounted for why they were making adjustments in the system of up to 24 pounds of cannabis, making comments such as “bad” or “mistake” in the software, Albuquerque Business First reported.
Golden Roots was fined $298,972.05 – the amount regulators allege the company made selling products that weren’t properly accounted for in BioTrack.
The CCD has been cracking down on cannabis operators accused of selling products procured from out-of-state or not grown legally:
- Regulators alleged in August that Albuquerque dispensary Sawmill Sweet Leaf sold out-of-state products and didn’t have a license for extraction.
- Paradise Exotics Distro lost its license in July after regulators alleged the company sold products made in California.
Golden Roots was the first alleged rulebreaker in New Mexico to be asked to pay a large fine.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/new-mexico-cannabis-operator-fined-loses-license-for-alleged-biotrack-fraud/
Alabama regulators are targeting Dec. 1 to award the first batch of medical cannabis business licenses after the agency’s first two attempts were scrapped because of scoring errors and litigation.
The first licenses will be awarded to individual cultivators, delivery providers, processors, dispensaries and state testing labs, according to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC).
Then, on Dec. 12, the AMCC will award licenses for vertically integrated operations, a designation set primarily for multistate operators.
Licenses are expected to be handed out 28 days after they have been awarded, so MMJ production could begin in early January, according to the Alabama Daily News.
That means MMJ products could be available for patients around early March, an AMCC spokesperson told the media outlet.
Regulators initially awarded 21 business licenses in June, only to void them after applicants alleged inconsistencies with how the applications were scored.
Then, in August, the state awarded 24 different licenses – 19 went to June recipients – only to reverse themselves again and scratch those licenses after spurned applicants filed lawsuits.
A state judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Chicago-based MSO Verano Holdings Corp., but another lawsuit is pending.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/alabama-plans-to-award-medical-cannabis-licenses-dec-1/
-
Business2 years agoPot Odor Does Not Justify Probable Cause for Vehicle Searches, Minnesota Court Affirms
-
Business2 years agoNew Mexico cannabis operator fined, loses license for alleged BioTrack fraud
-
Business2 years agoAlabama to make another attempt Dec. 1 to award medical cannabis licenses
-
Business2 years agoWashington State Pays Out $9.4 Million in Refunds Relating to Drug Convictions
-
Business2 years agoMarijuana companies suing US attorney general in federal prohibition challenge
-
Business2 years agoLegal Marijuana Handed A Nothing Burger From NY State
-
Business2 years agoCan Cannabis Help Seasonal Depression
-
Blogs2 years agoCannabis Art Is Flourishing On Etsy